…Hey, you beautiful piece of God’s artwork! What did God plan for YOU to do today?

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

When I read “His workmanship,” I think of The Artist, sculpting away with a smile on His face, envisioning His precious creation as He skillfully forms it. I always liked the idea of being this amazing piece of artwork, something that God created with His own hands, something priceless and unique.

The cool thing about that childhood vision is that it is the reality of what we are! Each human being is an absolutely beautiful and complex piece of art who was made by the One True God and Creator of all. We are special to Him.

In this passage, we read that God also created us for good works. He prepared these good works in advance; He had them figured into His plan way before we were even born.

So the question may arise, what good works am I to do? What does God have in mind for me?

I often like to ask God to use me in whatever big or little ways He wants to use me. In some ways, I admit that I am afraid that I will miss an opportunity or mess up His plan by my stupidity and sinfulness. The point is, however, that God hears those prayers. He knows our weaknesses and He has what we need. When we acknowledge our shortcomings and ask for His help to do His will, we can expect Him to powerfully respond!

In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, we hear God’s response to Paul when he asked the Lord to remove his “thorn in the flesh” – God said to him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” In His omniscience, God knows what is best for us. Although certain weaknesses, trials and struggles may be extremely difficult for us, God allows them and He works through them for our good. Paul understood that he could trust God and if He wanted that “thorn in the flesh” to remain and keep Paul humble, so be it.

In fact, it is in our weakness that God’s power and strength (working in and through us) are illuminated and He is given the glory. Therefore, along with Paul, may God help me to say with confidence, “I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Even though I am aware of my failures and lack of power, I know God can graciously provide all I need and can still use me in His kingdom.

So, what did He plan for me to do today?

Am I to spend time struggling for others by fasting and being in prayer? Do I have some skills or talents that can be used to help? Maybe I am supposed to share my concern for those in need in Haiti with someone else who might also be able to support in some way. Perhaps I can go, or I have funds to support someone else who wants to travel and be a light for God in Haiti. Heavenly Father, please use us! Show us what it is we are to do, and with Your love and power, help us to move!