“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10
I read a devotion last week that reminded the reader that God had created us for His good works; God calls us to a service far beyond anything that we could ever imagine. You and I were put on Earth to sit at the head of the table to enjoy your time here, you were created to make a contribution with your time, talents and treasures.
God designed each of us to make a difference with our lives. We weren’t created just to consume resources; to eat, breathe, and take up space. We were created to add to life on Earth, not just to take from it. God wants us to give something back; to help other people in our neighborhood, state and around the world; special work for us because of how He created us.
When most people living in this fallen world think of this “special work,” they think of pastors, priests, and professional clergy. But God says that He expects every member of His family to minister. In the Bible, the words “servant” and “minister” are synonyms; “service” and “ministry” are synonyms too. If you are a Christian, you are a minister. And when you’re serving, you’re ministering. Have you ever wondered why God didn’t just immediately take you to heaven the moment you accepted His grace? Why does He leave His children in this fallen world? He leaves you here to fulfill His purposes.
Once you are saved, God intends to use you for His goals. God has a ministry for you in His church and a mission for you in this fallen world.
Dear Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
May God be with you,
Jay