For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works,
which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
(Ephesians 2:10)
There is something amazingly beautiful about a woman who knows who she is and what she is here for.
A crisis gives us a canvas to look into aspects about ourselves that perhaps is not easily visible or known at any other time. It has been said that a crisis will reveal who we are, what we value, and what we believe.
How the world changes as a result of this global crisis created by the coronavirus pandemic will be determined by how Christ followers respond.
This crisis did not catch God by surprise. Now, more than ever…
—it’s time to know who Jesus is so you can become clear about who you are.
—it’s time to know that you are what you value and determine to value Jesus above everything else.
—it’s time to know the way you live your life is driven by what you believe about God and the teachings of Jesus.
A quote by Brooke Foss Westcott says, "Great occasions do not make heroes or cowards; they simply unveil them to our eyes. Silently and imperceptibly, as we wake or sleep, we grow strong or weak; and at last some crisis shows what we have become."
If we are honest, this crisis for many of us shows what we have become is comfortable with our lives. But it is when we step outside of our comfort zone and live with purpose and intention that we find our most cherished experiences of who Jesus is and who we are in relationship to Him.
As I write this devotional sitting in my overstuffed chair with my warm blanket, I thought what this crisis has revealed about me. Ministry this month has been full. Back to back virtual online gatherings this past weekend; not to mention two other sessions earlier this month.
I chuckled at how uncomfortable I was at the beginning of the pandemic pivoting in this new normal to virtual online gatherings.
Ironically, while sitting in my chair, I received an email from a woman I never met before but who has become a part of our beautiful community. She wrote:
As sad as this pandemic is for millions of people and heartbreaking for those families that have lost love ones because of it, as weird as this sounds, I was able to find a light…I thank God…if not, I probably would’ve never been introduced to you and would’ve missed out on this wonderful group of ladies and experience. This group has made me realize that the circle of friends that I have are not helping me to grow spiritually. In all honesty, the enemy almost convinced me not to see what these meetings were about. So, thank you again!
Her kind words were God reminding me that he knew beforehand the good works that I would do for his glory—every detail—even my virtual online gatherings purposed to make disciples.
Ephesians 2:10 says: For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
There is more 2020 in this year. More good works prepared for us beforehand by God. It is the good works mentioned in Matthew 5:16 that says: Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Are you ready to shine bright like a diamond in this crisis? Those who profess Christ, whether we are in a crisis or not, know that beautiful is not optional and neither is letting our light shine.
When everything feels uncertain and scary, it is easy to focus on surviving and not repaint our lives, our community, our world with beautiful.
But find your paintbrush—discover your unique palette—the world is your canvas to color with good works that God prepared in advance that you were created in Christ Jesus for. How breathtaking is that!
Prayer: Jesus, you are our comfort and strength in times of crisis. You promised that you would always be with us even when life is most difficult. With your help, we will get through this. We will let our light shine. We will let our good works that God prepared beforehand paint a beautiful world for your glory. Let your love fill our hearts and let it be our guide. In Jesus Name. Amen.