Ephesians 2:10: For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

What a relief that verse is for my soul…to know that God created me specifically to face whatever challenges I face. He has prepared us to do good works for him. He gave us specific gifts to make a difference in whatever influence we have. For years I have struggled to find my purpose in life. Find my purpose in a career. Find my purpose to further His mission? What am I supposed to do? How can I be of service for him? This has been going on for a very long time. I have been through undergrad with these questions. I have had a family with these questions. I have been through graduate school with these questions. I have worked for a company for over 9 years with these questions. I have prayed, read books, and prayed more. “God, what is my purpose?” Have you heard the saying “be careful what you ask for?” Well, He started answering me. God has put me in a place of transition in my life. He has removed some of my comforts, stirred my heart to make a change, and then he moved me. I mean literally MOVED me. When my husband was transferred to a new town, I had to leave behind friends, our home, my job, and even some of our family. Although this would not have been my plan, God started preparing my heart for these changes over the past year. He eased my fears and anxieties and he prepared us for these changes.  He has also taught me so much over these past few months. He is showing me daily where my strengths lie and what weaknesses I need to work to improve. He has surrounded me with a church family and new friends to help teach me how to utilize my gifts He has given me. So when I read this verse, I smile, knowing that I am God’s handiwork. He created me to further his plan, in his timing, and he prepared me in advance for just that.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Thank you for all the blessings you have poured out over us. Thank you for the gifts you have given each of us. Please help us to remember that you did create each of us for a specific reason to further Your plan and bring You glory. Remind us, when times get difficult and we forget, that You prepared us in advance for such a time as this.

In Your Son’s name,

Amen