For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10
You may have seen the poster that reads: God put me on earth to accomplish a certain number of things. Right now I am so far behind, I will live forever! There is a certain element of truth in the statement as this verse in Ephesians points out. God has planned for us certain tasks or good works which He expects us to do. These tasks were planned before we were even born.
As Jeremiah 1:5 tells us, “Before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” Paul writes in Galatians 1:15, “But when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace.” We also know from the stories of Joseph and Moses how God planned long in advance that they would be leaders of His people. Likewise it is true of us, God has a plan for our lives and certain things He wants us to accomplish.
Unfortunately the rest of the statement on the poster is not true. If we fail to complete these tasks we will not live forever on earth in order to somehow ‘catch up’. So it is important to find out what God has called us to do and pursue it. The writer to the Hebrews encourages us to do this, “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12:1. This verse points out that we need our run our race and not someone else’s. So let’s continually seek God for His unique plan for our lives.
Good thoughts Susan. Thanks for sharing them.
Good thoughts Susan. Thanks for sharing them.
Thanks Lee for stopping by.
Thanks Lee for stopping by.
Yes too right..a most important thing to know
Yes too right..a most important thing to know
Hi, Susan —
My name is Leah and I’m Jon’s sister.
I just thought I’d follow his recommendation to check out other people’s blogs that are blogging on his site. And I liked seeing your reviews on books.
I’ve only read your review of “Blue like Jazz” so far (as I’m at work and shouldn’t spend too much time on here..!) but it made me think of another book you would probably like — and since I didn’t see it on your list I thought I’d recommend it.
Have you read “Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith” by Anne Lamott? A TOTALLY different take on Christianity — but wonderful because she is so real.
In fact, one section made me cry, right in the bookstore — as it was such an amazing picture of who I know Christ to be. She didn’t yet know him, and was struggling with a huge life crisis, when she felt his presence in her room. And even though she told him to go away, she felt that he stayed with her through the night — just loving her from the corner. Which is incredible. That’s my God.
She writes it much better! But if you haven’t read it, I think you’ll like it.
I’ll come back soon to read more, as I love books and talking about God.
Leah
Hi, Susan —
My name is Leah and I’m Jon’s sister.
I just thought I’d follow his recommendation to check out other people’s blogs that are blogging on his site. And I liked seeing your reviews on books.
I’ve only read your review of “Blue like Jazz” so far (as I’m at work and shouldn’t spend too much time on here..!) but it made me think of another book you would probably like — and since I didn’t see it on your list I thought I’d recommend it.
Have you read “Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith” by Anne Lamott? A TOTALLY different take on Christianity — but wonderful because she is so real.
In fact, one section made me cry, right in the bookstore — as it was such an amazing picture of who I know Christ to be. She didn’t yet know him, and was struggling with a huge life crisis, when she felt his presence in her room. And even though she told him to go away, she felt that he stayed with her through the night — just loving her from the corner. Which is incredible. That’s my God.
She writes it much better! But if you haven’t read it, I think you’ll like it.
I’ll come back soon to read more, as I love books and talking about God.
Leah
Hi Leah thanks for dropping by. I’m always interested in book recommendations. Unfortunately I checked the web site of the book shop where I usually buy my books and “Travelling Mercies” is not currently available. The problem is I read about a book a week so I don’t like to have to pay postage as well. Nevertheless I will keep my eye out for it.
Hi Leah thanks for dropping by. I’m always interested in book recommendations. Unfortunately I checked the web site of the book shop where I usually buy my books and “Travelling Mercies” is not currently available. The problem is I read about a book a week so I don’t like to have to pay postage as well. Nevertheless I will keep my eye out for it.