God's Handiwork

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

For the past few weeks I’ve been out of my element – out of the “normal” circumstances of my life. Currently, I’m called upon to serve a beloved relative whose health status has taken a hit. Life changing decisions will soon be necessary.

My quiet time with Jesus is a struggle. There is time for prayer (before they know I’m awake), but undistracted time in God’s Word – well, that’s nonexistent. As a result, I find myself dry, shallow, and vulnerable to the siren song of the enemy.

You may be familiar with the lyrics. You’re a failure. You’re a hypocrite. You’re judgmental. You expect too much. The “if only” and “what if” phrases ricochet in my mind. Discouragement, even worry, take over.

Have you noticed, when you are busy through your day and the “world” bombards you with constant unsettling messages (political unrest, rampant anger and disrespect in speech, “fake news,” impending doom in the Middle East, Korea, etc.), it’s easy to hear the messages from the enemy and not the still, quiet voice of God?

When all my inner thoughts center on “ME”, I know I’m off balance and need to put myself in the place where I can hear God speak. He is greater than the “white noise” in the background. When I pull aside and focus on Him, on His WORD, His voice becomes loud. All else fades.

It is then I can remember who I am in God – His child, His workmanship. His call on my life is not always in the direction I desire. If it were, where would the sacrifice be – the reckoning of my “self” dead?

This current path is for a season. It looks like a detour, but there’s a lesson in detours. Instead of being delayed without forward progress – or coming to a complete stop and having to back up and retrace my steps – the detour route may be longer but accompanied by steady forward movement.

It’s all good. God is good. His creation is good. His sacrifice is Good. His call is good. The work He prepares for us to do is good. His Song is loud and clear.

“For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With His love, He will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT)

by Marilyn Allison