God’s Own Handiwork
Ephesians 2:8-10
8 For it is by free grace (God's unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ's
salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own
striving], but it is the gift of God;
9 Not because of works [not the fulfillment of the Law's demands], lest any man should boast. [It is not the result of what
anyone can possibly do, so no one can pride himself in it or take glory to himself.]
10 For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good
works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should
walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].
AMP
I like the amplified translation here because it makes clear that we are designed specifically in Christ for a purpose more than
that of going to heaven one day. If that were all we have to expect then that would be wonderful in it’s self but there is more to
being saved. To start with we are God's workmanship or handiwork. The next time you think of your self in terms of "only" you
think of this, God is your maker; spirit, soul, and body and you are fearfully and wonderfully made. Made in the likeness and
image of God. You are not only, you are exactly. Exactly a workman of God, made and created for a purpose just as Jesus
has a purpose. A work to do preordained of God.
A path prepared just for you to walk in, living the good life which he prearranged and made ready for you.
What’s the good life? It is your life as the offspring of God, a life with purpose. You have something to do for God as one of
his children, not to be compared to the work Jesus did because what you have to do wasn't created for Jesus to do, it was
created just for you to do. My friend that gives you purpose. People without purpose are always trying to get a life, people
with purpose already have a life with something to accomplish. It is a good life. It is not location or possession that makes life
good. It is your purpose!
The good life has a path to be traveled. Too often we see the path as a way to reach our destination and over look the
journey the path takes us on. A journey not measured by time but by steps. The steps of a good man, the child of God, steps
to cross the path of others to bless and be blessed a path to a great marriage, a path with children and grandchildren, a path
to win a soul for God, a path to our vocation in life where we let our light shine before men so they see our good works and
glorify our Father in heaven. A path where we share the reality of pain and joy, a path not less traveled but well traveled as
we fulfill our purpose, a path where Jesus never leaves or forsakes us, a path where God supplies our every need and the
grace of God is always sufficient. This is the good life. The life filled with God’s purpose for each person and a path to travel
to fulfill the purpose.
WE got here in this life as designed of God as his handiwork by the grace of God. Now live it as God’s handiwork by God’s
grace. You are not only. You are exactly. And that makes this the good life. Every morning you get up in this good life facing
and doing whatever you must take these three things with you.
#1 - 2 Chronicles 16:9
9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose
heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.
KJV
Someone is here with you and will be strong for you today. What you meet up with today will be handled by God's strength.
#2 - Lamentations 3:21-24
21 This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.
22 It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
24 The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
KJV
God's grace is new for you today as often as you need it to be. You will not have second chances today but you will have as
many new beginnings as you need.
Habakkuk 3:17-19
17 Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields
shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:
18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
19 The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high
places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.
KJV
Today the Lord will be your strength, your bravery and your invincible army. And on your path doing your purpose you will
make progress and be above trouble, sufferings and responsibility. It is your good life. Only you can live it. May as well start
now if you haven't already, remember you start with a step and just keep taking one step at a time.