Light for June

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

Do you ever wonder about the true purpose of your life? As a planner, this question has been in my mind since I was old enough to realize we could have a purpose. As I’ve said before, I’d like to have a nice map with all the steps clearly outlined but that is not often how life works. We are constantly reminded that the Lord has a plan for our lives, a two-fold plan as it were. I believe, as Christians, we all have the purpose to fulfill the Great Commission, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20). However, I think we all have different ways to fulfill this purpose with the skills and opportunities the Lord provides us. I view this as my secondary life purpose, my mission field as it were.

Ephesians 2:10 provides me with several things. First, it reminds me that I am created in God’s image and am a representation of Him here on earth. Second, I’m reminded that because of Christ I have been saved for good works (not through good works). Third, and most comforting to me, I’m reminded that the Lord has a plan that was prepared LONG before I knew Him. We often forget that the Lord isn’t surprised by what surprises us. I’m so thankful to have a Father that cares about my life and didn’t just leave me to falter on my own.

It’s so nice to look back in the uncertain times of your life and see how every step was already in place, you just didn’t know it yet. In fact, there is a situation in my current life that, had you asked me a year ago, I would’ve said had no decent conclusion but now I am beginning to see the steps the Lord has already set before me and how those steps began DECADES ago.

So, just remember that even when you feel like you are stuck in a rut or unsure of your next move, the Lord does have a true purpose for your life. It may just take a bit for you to recognize it.