For we are his [God’s] workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10 ESV)
It’s another moderately high pain day. Not as bad as it could be, but worse than I’d like it to be . . .but it does give me more time to think (because I’m lying under the covers with the electric mattress pad going and trying to get warm so my joints will behave).
I’ve still been doing a little bit of the struggling with the no more teaching thing . . .and the above Scripture came to my mind during my morning prayer time.
Imagine — I am God’s workmanship. God is making me fit for His work.
I was created for good works. God created me to do something; God has a design for me.
I was created “in Christ Jesus” because there is absolutely nothing that I can bring to God that is acceptable for His work. It’s all been corrupted by sin. Jesus lived a sinless life, died in my place, rose again from the dead, so that I could be a new creation. . .still amazes me, no matter how often I hear it.
God prepared what He wants me to do “beforehand,” which means my diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and its effect on my vocal cord and my breathing difficulties did not cause God to scramble around with a “plan B.” This more quiet, more isolated time in my life; this ministering more one-on-one rather than in group settings; this using the written word more than the spoken word — all this is part of the good works God created me to do.
Why is it so difficult for me to simply trust the God who loves me and who made me and who knows my every move and ability and who also knows whose life He wants me to inject hope and help (accompanied by the availability of tissues and even maybe a kitty or a dog to hug)? Praise Him, I come back around to the “yes, Lord, You are right and this is the best for me. . .” but why don’t I just go there in the first place?
At least I “got there” sooner than in previous times. . .
He is such a gracious, patient Father.
Plea for Grace 