SOW AND REAP

Ephesians 2:10 For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), [a]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].

Have you ever wondered how we are to do all we need to do? I know I've asked that question more than once or twice. I often ask
"How is it possible to juggle everything we have to do in life?" Ephesians 2:10  says GOD had already completely and totally planned our lives from beginning to end. It is all said and done, final.

 First of all, I don't know about you but that just blows me away! HE planned every little detail of our lives. Call it a blueprint of each one of us if you will. That is some handiwork and a HUGE glimpse of how great our father is. So many of us, so many complicated lives, ALL created and formed by his supernatural powers.

So why do we seem to be so lost, totally frustrated, overwhelmed with life? Well, He also gives us free will. Such a blessing yet also a tremendous responsibility for us and often can become a huge heavy burden. Yes, we have the option to choose! However, the gift of "choice" is not necessarily the best of privileges if you lack in wisdom, compassion, discernment, love and no faith. With no faith you miss out in GOD'S mercy, redemption and salvation.

Ephesians 2:10 says all of this is ours because we are a recreation of Christ Jesus. All we have to do is walk in his foot steps and TRUST in His word. Ohhhh  but that "free will" gets us all the time! It uses consequence to draw us back to Him if we make poor choices. And, unless we make a determination to build a relationship with Him we will always live overwhelmed, over stressed, over burdened etc....

We know we can never be perfect, we are all sinners, were not Jesus! We can however, believe, in his gift of salvation even with all our imperfections if we only seek, confess, commune and obey Him everyday. I think its pretty cool it has all been planned out and worked out for us. We should simply follow along, look, listen, and act on His command.  Only then will we fully reap all the gifts I mentioned and they will overflow.

Ephesians 2:10 says we should do His good works which He has preplanned for us. No planning, no figuring out, no stressing,  just jump in and enjoy the ride. Build that relationship He so wants with each of us. We begin by breaking down the walls WE built of fear, doubt, regret, sorrow, anger, hatred  layer by layer to the very core of our soul by prayer, His mercy and redemption. Soon his light shines brighter and brighter and all become much clearer. You begin to live with more joy and vibrancy, are driven to live and let live, love, and serve. 

There are many ways we can serve and do good works. Look to see where HE may lead you. Even if your not sure BUT you CONFIRM it by reading His word and prayer, then step out of the boat and follow Him in faith, let Him lead. It may be in something that seems so small  and insignificant or something really big and seemingly impossible, yet all very important if that is where He leads you. Start at home with your family, down the street by dishing out meals at a shelter; across the nation by providing flood relief; or maybe even in a foreign land by translating the gospel.

 In short, a missionary calling is whatever God tells you to do. Rejecting the invitation to serve Him is foolish. It would be like telling almighty God that He made a mistake. But surrender opens the door to a lifetime of service, blessing, and joy!