We are each designed for a unique and divine purpose. Live yours!

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Before Time Began

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" (Ephesians 2:10 NIV).

Have you read the book The Purpose Driven Life? Rick Warren, Pastor of Saddleback Church in California is the author. He is one of my modern-day heroes. Saddleback Church is now a mega-church but it started with two families in the Warren’s living room. I don’t know much about what led Rev. Warren to start that meeting in his home, but I know about the good works he and his church have done.

I highly recommend the book. It was truly life-changing for me. I know that’s an expression that may be overused or exaggerated but my life is evidence of the impact of his book. In one of the chapters he shares that we were created for a purpose. This scriptural reference is obviously the source of that contention.

I find it tremendously reassuring that I am not only created in the image and likeness of God but that He had a specific purpose for me and my life when I was created. Actually, His plan for me began long before I was born. While the universe was still a whirling vortex of dust, God thought of me and what purpose He would place upon my life. It’s just too much to comprehend, isn’t it?!

Notice Paul reminds us we were “created in Christ Jesus to do good works”. In other words, we are new creations because of Christ. Yes, every person ever born had a purpose and a reason for their existence. Because of Christ, though, our purpose becomes even more crucial: to share the Good News of the resurrection!

The prophets and a multitude of others demonstrated their tremendous faith in God. Their lives had meaning and significance as well. Perhaps we feel inadequate to rise to the level of David or Abraham or Moses. Maybe we feel that we are not as “important” in God’s great plan as were these historical figures. Well . . . not so! Remember, we are God’s workmanship.

Some days I feel very small. Sometimes I feel tired and that my small contributions to the world are insignificant in the big scheme of things. Then I remember that I have tremendous significance because I am created for a purpose ordained by God long before the world began.

My prayer today is that you remember where you came from. And that you rely upon Christ for your fortitude and endurance as you go out into the world.


Blessings on your journey,

Mary

2 comments:

Beth Herring said...

great post Mary. I love the words of Paul and how he always reminds us of who we are in Christ. Without Him we would be nothing.

Tami said...

Thank you friend. We all need this reminder.