Transformed – teen devotion – January 19, 2020
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
20/20 Vision: See Purpose Better
There’s something admirable about wrestlers. Not WWE style wrestling, but wrestling with the mats, the protective headgear, and the singlets (that’s the tightfitting uniform).
The strength and stamina of wrestlers in competition is amazing. They are willing to do nearly anything within reason and wisdom to make weight. For the sake of the team, for the sake of personal performance, and for the sake of their success in the sport, these wrestlers go to great lengths to achieve their purpose.
Here’s the point: When you know your purpose, you will do just about anything to achieve it.
The flip side is also true. If you lack purpose, you struggle to do just about everything. Ever had a morning where you didn’t really want to get out of bed? Ever had a day when you wondered why you were here? It’s tough to get moving if you don’t know your why—your purpose.
This is why Paul’s words are so powerful for our lives even when we’re not sure of our purpose or why we’re here. Paul makes some powerful declarations about our life; more powerful than any other positive affirmation. This is God’s affirmation of you.
You are God’s handiwork. This is a statement about your identity. You are a creative work of your holy, mighty, and merciful God. He made you and shaped you just as you are. Then he perfected you in Christ by canceling your sin on his cross and changing your status as his son/daughter at your baptism!
You are created for good works. You don’t have to go looking for them. God is going to put them right in front of you. God has a purpose for your life. In fact, he has already prepared opportunities for you to live for him today, this week, and this year.
A new challenge for this week: Take note of your day. At the end of each day, pay attention to all the opportunities to do good that your God gives you. Write down the opportunities you have to share an encouraging word. Take notes about the opportunities God gave you to help someone in need. Pay careful attention to the simple ways you get to do good works in your home, school, and community.
When you know your purpose, you will do almost anything. There is no higher purpose than the purpose given by your God who called you.
Prayer: Lord God, give me eyes to see the good works you have prepared for me to do, and give me strength to carry it out. Amen.
