Created For A Purpose

When I start a new crochet project, I don't just grab a yarn and hook and start making something only to figure out what to do with it when the item is completed.  No.  I decide what exactly I'm going to make.  I select the pattern I want to use, or I start working out a design in my head and/or my pattern notebook.  What yarn I use will depend on the purpose.  It is something that will be used often and need to be machine washable?  Does it need to be especially soft for a baby, or sturdier like a cotton for dishcloths?  I create everything with a specific purpose in mind.

I believe that the same thing is true about us.  We aren't just created willy-nilly and then placed on earth to fill up space and time. I believe that God creates each of us with a plan in mind.  We are each designed on purpose - for a purpose.   He gives us strengths, skills, talents and yes - even weaknesses - that will help us to fulfill that purpose.  

As I have been thinking more about intentional living (remember my One Word for 2020 is "Intentional") over the past few months, I've come to the idea that being intentional is about being a good steward of the time and talents which I have been given.  To live out the dreams - the very purpose - that God has placed in my heart. To be who I was created to be and do what I was created to do.

Fear and Insecurity

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” ~ Joshua 1:9

 Is insecurity, fear, and self-doubt its own form of sin?

When we believe we aren't _____ enough for whatever is placed before us to do - we are doubting God's wisdom and His power.

We are essentially saying to Him:

"You are not enough."

"You have made a mistake"

"You are wrong"

"You might let me down"

It's time to let go of the fear.  Let go of the insecurities.  Let go of the self-doubt.

Turn to God's truth when thoughts full of fear and insecurity come creeping in.

He promises that His grace is enough.  (2 Corinthians 12:9)

He promises that He has plans to prosper us.  To give us a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11)

He promises to complete a good work in us (Philippians 1:6)

He promises that He created each of us to do the work He prepared for us to do (Ephesians 2:10)

He promises that He will never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6)

Take your courage from the Lord.  Trust Him.

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Puzzle Pieces

You are made exactly the way God created you to fit into a particular plan, a specific place He has for you.

Like pieces of a puzzle.  Some may appear very similiar at first glance, but each one is uniquely crafted to fit into a specific spot.  Each piece fitting in a particular place until the complete beautiful work appears.

photo: publicdomainpictures.net

That's how God's plan is: each of us unique, with a spot to fill.

Maybe we can't see it now.  All we may see is our own oddly shapped piece of things.  But someday, the completed, beautiful work will be revealed to each of us.

"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

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Reading the Labels

Labels.  I keep reading about labels.  Labels we put on other people.  Labels we put on ourselves.

First it was Lysa TerKeurst's new book Unglued reminding me that labels can "imprison us in categories that are hard to escape".   This morning it was Upward Not Inward talking about the self inflicted labels and how "they are hard to ignore because deep down you know they are true, at least partially".  Even my recent post  Measuring Up deals indirectly with labels - comparing those we place on someone else with those we've put to ourselves and feeling as if we come up short.

Don't kid yourself.  That old childhood chant about sticks and stones breaking bones, it's wrong.  Words can hurt.  They can leave marks that last days, years, or even a lifetime.

Worthless.

That's the very worst of the worst.  It's the one we most often place on ourselves.  Because, in the end, that's where so many of the other labels are headed.

When we tell ourselves:

I'm stupid.

I'm ugly.

I'm a mess.

I'm a push over.

I'm disorganized.

I'm a bad mother.

I'm always late.

I'm a hypocrite.

I'm lonely.

I'm an addict.

I'm a nerd.

I'm no good at (fill in the blank)

.. at some point those thoughts are likely to arrive at "worthless". 

Even though God tells us over and over again in His word how valuable we are! As Lysa says in Unglued: "Those labels start out as little threads of self-dissatisfaction but ultimately weave together into a straitjacket of self-condemnation."

Even though God tells us over and over again in His word how valuable we are!  Scripture tells us that we are His workmanship, his masterpieces.

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

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well ~ Psalm 139:14

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. ~ Luke 12: 6-7

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us ~ Romans 5:8

Did you catch that? 

Wonderfully made.  With a purpose.  Loved.  Full of worth!

Now, how do you like those labels?