As you face the many challenges of life, it’s easy to lose sight of God’s purpose for you. The Apostle Paul’s letter to the Ephesians describes us as being dead in our trespasses and sins. We were living according to the world system and were under the power of the evil one. Paul used the past tense as he described our former condition. Those were true – but for the Christian that description is no longer valid.

But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), (Ephesians 2:4-5)

Paul writes that you have been saved by grace. You were not saved by your good works, your righteousness, or your church attendance. You were saved by placing your faith in Jesus’ finished work on the cross. Grace is God’s part, faith is our part. You are not saved by your good works, but you were saved to do good works. Paul presents our purpose in the next verse,

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10)

You are God’s workmanship! The word for workmanship is the Greek word poiema from which we derive our English word poem and this word may be translated masterpiece. God has transformed your life so that you are able to perform good works.

You were created on purpose, with a purpose, for a purpose. What is God’s purpose for your life? If you could do anything in life, what would you do? Mary Oliver asks the penetrating question, “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” Winston Churchill experienced this truth, “There comes a special moment in everyone’s life, a moment for which that person was born. That special opportunity, when he seizes it, will fulfill his mission – a mission for which he is uniquely qualified. In that moment, he finds greatness. It is his finest hour.” Are you experiencing your finest hour?

You must also remember that when God gives you a vision, it may seem overwhelming. This is because His vision is bigger than anything you can imagine and it will be impossible for you to accomplish it in your own strength. Be encouraged that God has uniquely shaped you to fulfill the good works that He has designed for you. When your opportunity arises don’t be unprepared for what could be your finest hour. Benjamin Disraeli said, “The secret of success in life is for a man to be ready for his opportunity when it comes.” What is the special work God has for you? What can you do to prepare yourself for that work? Don’t miss your date with destiny – start now!

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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