God’s Masterpiece

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)

God was very intentional when He made us. It did not happen by accident or chance. He was careful, deliberate, purposeful in making each of us into a beautiful creation. The New Living Translation uses the word masterpiece, which speaks of the high quality of His workmanship.

• Workmanship: the quality imparted to a thing in the process of making.
• Masterpiece: a work done with extraordinary skill. Something (as a work of art) that is a great achievement and often its creator’s greatest achievement.

(Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

God put a lot of thought into our creation. He lovingly shaped each of us into a unique, one-of-a-kind individual and gifted us with special talents and abilities. Psalm 139:14 says:

“I will praise you because I have been remarkably and wondrously made. Your works are wondrous, and I know this very well.” (CSB)

If God was intentional in making us—and He was—then we must intentionally live to fulfill His intended purpose for our lives. We cannot allow ourselves to drift through life without discovering that divine plan. It is for us alone, expressly designed by God.

“I chose you before I formed you in the womb; I set you apart before you were born . . .” (Jeremiah 1:5, CSB)

Everyone, almost without exception, experiences moments of self-doubt. Each of us has some areas in which we feel inadequate or unfit for the task. It’s a common problem.

Many notable names in Scripture also suffered from self-doubt or low self-esteem. Remember Moses at the burning bush? He spent quite a while arguing with God about what a poor choice the Lord had made for His spokesman. (Read Exodus 3 and 4.) “I am not eloquent . . . I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue” (4:10).

Gideon also proved skeptical of God’s calling. “Behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house” (Judges 6:15). This is the same man whose lack of faith gave us the term “fleecing God” for a means of proving His will. (See Judges 6:36-40.)

God exercises His divine sovereignty by choosing whomever He will to perform particular tasks or callings. If we were screening job candidates, we might look for speaking ability, intelligence, a charismatic personality, or even wealth and appearance. God uses different criteria and specializes in on-the-job training. He thought nothing of calling a shepherd (David), a herdsman and gatherer of sycamore fruit (Amos), a fisherman (Peter), and even a woman of questionable character (Rahab). God often uses unusual methods and unusual people.

When plagued by doubt and feeling insecure about God’s plan for our lives, we can take these steps:

• Acknowledge that our strength comes for God. He enables us.
• Face our problems head-on and stretch beyond our comfort zone by accepting the challenge of new tasks.
• Concentrate on our strengths rather than our weaknesses.
• Surround ourselves with those who are encouragers. Their positive words will inspire us to keep trying.

Your task in life may be very different from mine. For some, God’s highest calling is to be a good mother and nurture their children in the ways of God. He may choose others to become a beacon of light in the workplace, demonstrating honesty and integrity. Some will serve in places of relative obscurity, doing behind the scenes projects at church. Perhaps God will use you in your neighborhood by showing love to a lonely widow or giving guidance to a troubled teen.

We understand that we each have multiple tasks to perform. God will constantly lead us to different areas of service, many that will be outside the physical church building.

It is important to realize that God’s purpose for our lives will always be for a cause greater than ourselves. Recognize the gifts and talents God has placed in your life and then use those special abilities to fulfill your unique plan.

Live intentionally. Fulfill your purpose.

“Arise, for it is your task, and we are with you; be strong and do it.” (Ezra 10:4, ESV)

Lord, I am overwhelmed by the love and care You took in creating me and calling me to fulfill Your divine purpose. Without Your strength and Your guidance, I can do nothing. But I also realize that if You call me, You will also equip me and enable me to fulfill that purpose. Help me to shine as the masterpiece You intended me to be. Let it all be for Thy glory and honor!