"Then he said to them all: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.'"

Luke 9:23 (NIV)

You are not an accident or mistake in God's plan. You are His handiwork, carefully and intentionally crafted with purpose. The Greek word for "handiwork" is poiema, from which we get "poem." God wrote you like a masterpiece with specific intent and design. Before you were born, He prepared good works for you. This mission isn't something you stumbled into by chance or luck.

God designed you for more than just existing or getting by. You weren't created simply to survive, pay bills, and die. Ephesians 2:10 reveals that you were made in Christ Jesus specifically. You were created to do the good works He planned. These aren't random tasks or generic assignments for anyone at all. They are works prepared in advance uniquely for you alone. Your mission is personal, purposeful, and already planned out completely.

Following Jesus unlocks the mission you were designed for always. Luke 9:23 calls you to deny yourself and follow Him. This isn't about losing your identity or purpose in life. It's about discovering the true you God created from the start. When you take up your cross daily, you align yourself. You step into the good works prepared specifically for you. Self-denial doesn't destroy your mission, it reveals it clearly to you.

God doesn't send you on mission without power or provision. Acts 1:8 promises the Holy Spirit's power for your witness. You will be His witness in your Jerusalem, your everyday life. You will be His witness in your Judea, your wider community. You will be His witness to the ends of the earth. God designed you for more than feeling inadequate or unprepared. He equipped you with His Spirit for the mission ahead.

What if you've been living below your divine design lately? Have you settled for comfort when God prepared adventure for you? Have you chosen safety when He created you for impact? Have you hidden your gifts when He designed you to shine? The mission isn't something you have to create or imagine. It's already prepared, and you were made for it specifically.

Godseekers, you were designed for more than ordinary living every day. God's handiwork doesn't sit idle on the shelf collecting dust forever. You were created in Christ Jesus for good works prepared. Stop waiting for permission or perfect conditions to start obeying. Take up your cross, receive His power, and step in. You were made for this mission He's calling you toward.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You are the Master Creator of all things. I praise You for making me Your handiwork with purpose. Forgive me for doubting my design and calling in life. I confess I've lived below what You prepared for me. Help me see myself the way You see me clearly. Give me courage to step into the good works prepared. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit's power for this mission. Send me out as Your witness wherever You place me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Personal Reflection

1. What specific good works do you sense God has prepared in advance for you to do?
2. How does knowing you're God's handiwork change the way you view your purpose and calling?

Step of Faith

Today, I will identify one God-given gift or ability and use it intentionally to serve someone in Jesus' name.