Week 4 - Singing to the Cows

Ephesians 2:10

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

When I was a child one of the things I enjoyed doing was singing to the cows on our friend's farm.  Okay, by now you've probably figured out that I was a weird child.  Nonetheless, I would perch myself up on the top rail of the fence and sing my heart out.  I was curious to see if I could evoke a positive response from them.  You might say it was an experiment in the power of love and tenderness.  Sadly, for the most part, the cows were unaffected by my presence.  Sure, they showed interest at first.  But once they figured out there was no food or water to back up my "sermon" on love, they eventually wandered off.

Looking back now, I have to wonder.  If I had really wanted to show them love and tenderness, why didn't I come down from my perch and walk beside them?  I could have offered them a tuft of fresh grass to nibble on or ran my hand across their backs. 

Fear!  Fear is what kept me up on that fence.  After all, these animals were massive beside my small frame.  They could be very unpredictable, even mean at times.  Not to mention what I'd have had to walk through just to get alongside one of them.

So what were the results of my experiment?  I learned that to truly show the power of love we need to get down off our fences.  We can sing until the cows come home; sorry, I couldn't resist; but if we don't get down in the mud and meet some real needs, all we're really doing is making a whole lot of noise.  And yes, there will still be some fear.  But God is with you.  He would not send you out in the world to do His will without equipping you to accomplish it as is demonstrated in Ephesians 2:10. 

~Up Close and Personal~

Have you ever let fear stop you from offering a gesture of love and kindness to someone in need?

Did it ever occur to you that the very opportunity you avoided out of fear was one God had predestined you to fulfill?

Isn't that what Ephesians 2:10 states?  Let's examine this passage phrase by phrase. 

"For we are God’s workmanship" - workmanship means something made or produced; the quality imparted to something in the process of making.  So essentially, we are created by God in a specific way, with specific qualities and/or abilities.   

"created in Christ Jesus to do good works" - once we are in Christ Jesus, part of our purpose is to glorify Him through doing good works.  Now, it's important to note that good works follow accepting Christ as our savior.  They are not a means to gain salvation.  Salvation is a free gift of grace offered to us by our Heavenly Father.  Good works are also not a means to retain salvation.  Once you accept Christ as your Savior, you are sealed with the Holy Spirit.  Nothing can take your newfound position in Christ away from you.  Nothing!

"which God prepared in advance for us to do."- prepared in advance.  Picture it this way.  The Omniscient God, who has complete knowledge and understanding of all things past, present and future, prepared opportunities and purposes for you to fulfill within your lifetime. 

Put it all together, and you have an amazing truth!  It was as if God scanned the future, saw a need and created you for just that purpose!  When I think back now at all the times I chose my actions based on my own fears rather than trusting God and fulfilling His destiny for me, it breaks my heart!  Can you think of any missed opportunities you had to glorify God and share His love?

Have you ever noticed that actions speak louder than words?  This is especially true when your goal is to share God's love and truth.  Maybe we each need to ask ourselves "Am I really making a difference, or am I just singing to the cows?"

~Name It~

Read Ephesians 2:10 aloud.

Are you ready to embrace all that God has planned for you? 

Would your life be more fulfilling if you accepted God's purpose for you?  Perhaps you've been asking yourself "Why am I even here?" 

You are an amazing child of God!  One of His most treasured creations.  Your destiny awaits you!  Let's ask God to lead you to it!

~Claim It~

Dear Heavenly Father, this is such an amazing truth to me!  I've often struggled to believe that you would ever choose to use someone like me.  I feel so honored and blessed!  Please forgive me for all the times I let fear and doubt stop me from fulfilling your calling for me.  Lord, I pray that you would help me trust you so that my fears no longer keep me from my destiny to glorify you!  Father, I know this is not something I can do on my own.  I gladly accept your help!  Thank You for showing me my role and my purpose for your kingdom!  Thank You for Your perfect plan for my life!

In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.