I used to have the wrong perspective on this verse. When I read it, I thought God prepared me to do good works. This left me always looking around for what God prepared me for. I needed to figure out what he made me to do. Does that make sense? Have you ever felt that way?
Look at the same verse in The Message version.
Ephesians 2:10 (The Message) “He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing.“
This has TOTALLY changed my perspective on this verse! I had it all backwards. God is moving and doing in the lives of people… period. He doesn’t need me to accomplish His plan. However, he wants me to join him in what HE IS ALREADY DOING! He is preparing the work for me to do.
Example… I lead a den of 4th grade cub scouts. When we “do” our meetings, before they come, I prepare for them what we are going to do. If we are going to do a craft, I may lay out the supplies. I may pre-cut some wood or paper shapes. I may make sure the crayons and markers are available. I may pre-trace a pattern. You get the idea…
God does the same thing for me! He just wants to me be alert to what he’s prepared for me. Check this out…
Ephesians 6:18 (NIV) “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep praying for all the saints.“
This passage is the last of the “Armor of God” passage (Eph 6:10-18). If I’ve got my armor on and am standing in defense to the Enemy’s attack; if with the shield of faith I am extinguishing all the fiery arrows of the evil one; if I am constantly praying in the Spirit, then all the distractions will be gone. That which remains would likely be what the Lord has gotten ready for me to do… that which He wants me to join him in doing!
Ecclesiastes 9:10 (NIV) “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.“
Father, I pray that I’m armored up and prayed up so that I might join you in the work you are already doing. Thank you for preparing the work ahead of time you want me to do. Amen
Running After Papa…