Prepared In Advance

Good Morning,

Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

"Why am I here?" "What is my purpose for being alive?" "Who am I, in the grand scheme of things?"

We've all heard these questions...and many of us have asked them. These are the questions that almost every human being who has ever lived has asked about his or her existence, or at least wondered about from time to time. These are the "big" questions that so many philosophers have pondered over and asked, not just about themselves, but about all of humanity, as well.

Today in this short verse of Scripture we read at least a part of the "why" that we are here. Beyond this one part of the reason for our existence, we also read what it is that we ought to be doing with our lives.

Why were we created? God tells us in this verse that, first, "we are God's workmanship" that gives us the answer as to where we've come from. But, I guess that's a different message all together. What Paul goes on to write is that we are "created in Christ Jesus to do good works," and then, just so we know what it is we'll do is in God's plan, "which God prepared in advance for us to do."

Why am I here? At least in part I am here to do what it is God has prepared for me to do; those good works that in His ultimate wisdom He has placed in front of me. Now, that's pretty simple, isn't it?

Yes, of course, there are other reasons for our existence, other reasons that we have been created. But this one, I think, is of huge importance. I say this because once we begin to actually live out this verse and start to do that which God has ordained for us to take on, then we begin to feel more complete in our lives, we start to feel that fullness which comes from knowing we are being productive and fruitful in the work God has given us.

I will tell you, from personal experience, that the most complete that I've ever felt in all of my years on this planet, have been those times when I absolutely knew I was doing what God has given me to do. Whether it's sitting here at this computer each morning and opening myself up for God to use me; facilitating a Bible Study or Small Group; speaking encouragement to someone who is in obvious need of some helpful words; giving to someone or some group that has financial need; or any of the other tasks and works that I know come from God. There's nothing in my life that I've ever accomplished that has filled me up even close to the way that I've been filled when I have done those "good works, which God prepared in advance for (me) to do."

At least in part, that's why I'm here, that's why I exist, that's my purpose.

So, today, in these few words, I guess I'm to remind you of that, as well. For those who may not know what it is they're to do, I would say look back at those times when you felt totally fulfilled at doing something, or even many things. Those things that gave you that feeling are probably what God prepared for you to do. I would suggest that you do those things again, if at all possible. For those who do know what "good works" have been prepared for them and have yet to begin those tasks, I would strongly...VERY strongly...suggest that you start doing them.

None of us can every fully understand being a complete and totally fulfilled human being until we obey whatever call God has placed on us "to do good works" that the Creator of the universe has "prepared in advance for us to do."

Love, peace, and blessings,

David