For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith; and this not from yourselves: it is the gift of God: not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:8-10
Meditation: God is rich in mercy and eternal in His love. When we were dead in our transgressions, He made us alive through Christ Jesus. By His grace we are saved. Even when we could not save ourselves, God saved us. How can we not do good works? How can we not express our love back to God for how much He has done for us? We have no room to boast or take credit for what God had done for us. Our works don’t save us, but out of gratitude for what the Lord has done for us, we ought to be doing good works.
We are created to do good works. God has prepared them in advance for us to do. They begin at home. What can we do for our wife, children or family? What can we do for those in the church? It is a matter of being open to how the Lord would guide and direct us into what we can do to help others. It may be using our Spiritual Gifts or using the talents and abilities He has given us Or, it may be about trusting God to work through us.
I will never forget the rainy night in Seattle, Washington many years ago. My father was in a coma and it was not likely he would live. Leaving the hospital, a young woman stood near her car with the hood up and asked for help. As I opened my mouth to tell her I knew nothing about cars, that still small voice said, “This is your father’s legacy. He would help her.” Reluctantly, I said, “Let me take a look.” I fiddled around under the hood. I couldn’t tell you what I did, but when I told her to try starting the car, it immediately roared to life. The woman was blessed and I was reminded that it is not about me. I was created to do good works, to be God’s hands to reach out to those in need.
Challenge: Are you prepared to respond to that still small voice to go or do or speak when God prompts you? Do you do good works for you wife, family, friends or the person standing in the rain that needs help? Don’t miss the blessing. Don’t make God use somebody else, when He wants to use you. Be open and willing to do the good works God has prepared in advance for you to do.
Thought for the Day: Lord, give me ears to hear your voice and eyes to see the good works I can do for others today.
Chris Garner
Used by permission – Fortified Marriages.