His Masterpiece

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)

Most of us can easily appreciate a masterpiece hanging in a museum or the music filling a concert hall, but how does knowing that we too are God’s masterpiece shape how we live each day? It’s exciting that that the God of the universe is not only the master artist, but we are His canvas. Every day we’re reminded of beautiful works of creation, like a sunset or panoramic view from a mountain top. They are spectacular and reveal so much about its Creator. Even more powerful is that God’s creation story ended with us, that he saved us as his piece de resistance, before He considered all of it good.

We are His masterpiece. Let that resound as so many of us live life in pursuit of a purpose, a meaning, or “trying to figure out what I’m going to do when I grow up.” If you’re like me, I’ve taken countless Myers-Briggs test, Strength Finders test, aptitude tests, and so many other evaluations. While all of these can be really insightful, I realized that I will most fully live and walk out my purposes when I know more of what God has created in me and desires to accomplish through me. How many times to do I first look to Him, the Author and Creator of life, to simply ask who have you created me to be? What skills have you given me? What are things that you have created me to delight in? My inclination is to search outwardly rather than starting with the Master Artist.

Being His creation, means that God has given us new life through His Son, and he’s planned good things for us, even before we were born. I don’t know about you, but I love a “good thing.” To know that we are His and walk in His ways, is to recognize those plans and purpose, those “good things.” I’ve always prayed that one of those “good things” in my life would be the ability to sing… I’ll never let go of that hope :)

But life gets in the way. I have my own to do lists, activities, more often than not - unfulfilling activities and obligations. A busy life can so easily drown out the delicate and continued brushstrokes the Lord is making in our lives. My prayer for each of us in this time is that as we are able to pause some of the daily activities and obligations, so that we can see the steady and purposeful hand of God in our lives. May we be able to take delight in discovering with God who He has created us to be and how we are each a unique masterpiece and reflection of Him. And God delights in partnering with us as we learn more about the masterpiece he has and is creating in you.

Reflection Questions:

What makes you a masterpiece?

What are some ways you have seen God’s “brushstrokes” and changes He is Making in and through you?

What are the delights of your heart?

My prayer:

Oh Father, we delight in your creation.

I cherish that you call us your masterpiece.

Thank you for continuing to work in me and on my behalf,

That I would be a blank canvas and your life would reflect in mine.

Let me see the work that you are doing in my life even now,

Lord give me hope of what you will do in and through me.

I delight in exploring my plans and purposes with you.

Thank you for the good things you have in store.