GOD’S PLANS (part-6)

GOD HAS A PLAN DESIGNED ESPECIALLY FOR YOU!

BIBLE PASSAGE:
“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)

MEDITATION:
When we look at this verse, there are a couple of things that we should
notice. It says, “we are God’s workmanship”, which means that He is
our Creator. We are the result of His hands working to create our ‘being’.

It also says, God ‘prepared us in advance to do good works’. During the
time He was creating us, He was also giving us special capabilities for
completing tasks that He designed specifically for us. How exciting is
that? The God of the universe created us and gave us the ability to
serve Him in a special way!

In this world, we might work for bosses who treat us in a condescending
manner, or who treat us unfairly; but, when we are working for God, we
will experience His love even more than we do when we are idle. Does it
mean God loves us more when we work for Him?

I believe we can all agree that God’s love for us will never be greater than
it already is. Why? Because He says in His Word, that He loves those even
those who are alienated from Him, and His desire is for no person to perish,
but that everyone will be with Him forever. He has a plan of salvation and
has given us the freedom of choosing where we will spend eternity.

He has also given us a special spiritual gift (or gifts) and tasks for serving
Him. God has given us the freedom to choose if we will do it, or not. All
that God does is always good and for our benefit (and for the benefit of
others). Aren’t you glad He doesn’t save us to sit?

Assigning responsibilities to each of us not only broadens His mission
work, but it also provides benefits for those who have chosen to do
what He has prepared them to do. It gives us a purpose as we await
His call for us to join Him in our Heavenly home. Having a reason
for living increases our self-esteem and gives us joy, because we know
we are answering God’s call and doing something that pleases Him!

There was an old TV series named
    “The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis”.
In today’s world that sounds like an ‘R’ rated series, but that was
not the case. It was about a guy named Dobie who aspired to have
popularity, money, and the attention of beautiful girls.

One of the characters in this series was named Maynard G. Krebs.
He was an unforgettable character because each time the word
“work” was mentioned, Maynard would cringe and yelp “Work?!”
Why would he do that? Because Maynard didn’t want work to be
a part of his life.

The word ‘work’ may not sound as enjoyable as the word ‘play’,
but it is much more important. If we lived in a world that was
only filled with ‘play’, where would we find our food, houses,
clothing, etc.?

Work is also a way of feeding our self-esteem (not ego, but
self-esteem). Even if we don’t particularly like the job we
have, at the end of the day we still have a satisfying feeling
of accomplishment, and that’s always a good thing.

Now, back to the scripture verse. There is clearly a link
between God creating us, and our completing the good
works He has ‘pre-assigned’ to us. The scripture says,
“created in Christ Jesus to do good works”.

Doesn’t that imply that when we are ‘created in Christ Jesus’, then,
and only then, will we be able to ‘do good works’? Becoming a child
of God (through salvation), means we are ready to roll up our sleeves
and get busy doing the ‘good things’ we have been equipped to do.

When do we stop working for God? I don’t believe we ever retire
from serving God until He calls us home. I have heard some older
folks who have served God for many years say things like,
    “I’ve done my part. Now I need to
      step aside and let someone else take over”.
However, I have also seen some elderly folks who must use a
walker for mobility but continue to serve God in their ‘old age’.

A pastor was asked,
    “When do you plan to retire?”
He answered,
    “I may not continue to serve as the head pastor of a
      church, but I will never retire from serving my God.”

There are many young believers with energy and sharp minds
who have chosen not to serve the Lord. Not only do they miss
out on the blessings that come from serving God, but they are
also creating a void that someone else must fill.

Because God has a plan, He will find a believer to do the work that
needs to be done and if we refuse to do what He has called us to do,
He will find someone else and we will miss out on the blessings He
had for us.

ACTION:
Questions to consider:
    – How do I feel about the fact that God
       has areas of service ‘tailor-made’ just for me?
    – Do I sense how important I am to Him as a unique individual?
          God sees value in you, even if others do not. If He didn’t
           see your value, would He have given you special spiritual
           gifts and prepared you for serving Him? In addition, He
           has blessings for those who answer His call to serve.

Only a loving Heavenly Father,
    – knows your potential.
    – knows what will bring you joy.
    – has confidence that you will complete what He has assigned to you.
and,
    – has provided you with a worthy helpmate (Holy Spirit)
        to assist you in being successful in serving Him.

Success will always enhance our self-esteem, and God loves us
enough to give us opportunities to succeed. Serving the Lord
also gives us a type of gratification we can’t find anywhere else.

Challenge:
    – Ask God to show you the spiritual gift He gave you with salvation.
    – Ask Him to teach you how to use His special gift to you,
        as you pursue the ‘good works’ He has prepared for you to do.
    – Invite the Holy Spirit to become a part of your life and
        assist you in completing your assignment from God.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for creating me with a capacity
for serving You. Thank You for loving me so much that You
have given me opportunities for pleasing You and receiving
Your blessings. Help me to discover the ‘good works’ You have
‘prepared for me in advance’, so I can enjoy the good feeling
of accomplishment as I serve You. There are many who serve
other gods (that are not even gods at all; You are the only God).
If they can serve idols, then I pray that You will guide me as I
serve You. I have been created in Christ so that I can do what
You want me to do. Thank You for Your love, forgiveness, and
blessings!”

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