Day 11: Created for Good Works
Bible passage: Ephesians 2:8–10; Luke 4:1–15
Made on Purpose
Today is Monday 11th of January 2021. Welcome to Day 11 of our 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting. Yesterday we asked God to clean the house. Today we ask what the house is for.
“For we are God’s masterpiece.” Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
Paul goes on to say that God has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.
Grace First, Then Works
Not Saved by Works
The two verses before this one are among the best known in the Bible. We are saved by grace through faith. Salvation is a gift from God. It is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it (Ephesians 2:8–9).
The order matters. We do not work so that God will accept us. God has accepted us in Christ, and so we work.
A Masterpiece with a Job
The word translated “masterpiece” means something that has been made with skill, as a craftsman makes a piece by hand. You were not mass-produced. And you were made for something. Before you were born, God had good works in mind with your name on them.
Paul compares the church to a body with many parts. Each part is different and each one is needed, and the Holy Spirit gives gifts to each person as He decides (1 Corinthians 12:11–12). Nobody in the church is spare.
Full of the Spirit
Luke tells us that Jesus went into the wilderness full of the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:1). After forty days of fasting and testing, He returned to Galilee filled with the Spirit’s power and began to teach (Luke 4:14–15).
Seasons of prayer and fasting are often where a calling becomes clear, and where the strength to carry it out is given.
The One Who Calls Is Faithful
God never gives us an assignment without supplying what we need to do it. Paul puts it very simply. God will make this happen, because the One who calls us is faithful (1 Thessalonians 5:24).
Finding Your Part
Three Steps for Today
Ask. Pray, “Lord, what have You put in my hands?” Write down what comes to mind: people, skills, burdens and opportunities.
Start where you are. A calling usually begins with the need in front of us, in our family, our street, our workplace or our church. Commit everything you do to the Lord (Psalm 37:5).
Take one step. Offer to serve. Speak to one of our leaders. Make the call you have been putting off.
God says that He is the One who teaches us what is good for us and leads us along the paths we should follow (Isaiah 48:17). You can trust Him to show you your part.
Prayer for Today:
Father, thank You that I am Your workmanship, saved by grace and made for a purpose. Forgive me for the times I have compared myself with others or held back. Fill me afresh with Your Holy Spirit. Show me the good works You have prepared for me, and give me the courage and strength to walk in them. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Keep going
See every day of this guide on our Prayer & Fasting page.
Let us pray with you: send a prayer request.
Join one of our prayer meetings.
