Good, Not God

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10, NIV).

The Bible study I joined at the beginning of the year has continued to be a place where I glean wisdom, and meet with Jesus alongside a group of women that are united by hearts pursuing Christ. Each week we end up discussing a different Bible story, which then leads us into sharing various experiences of our own lives, and how the Lord is moving in our lives.

We recently discussed what it looks like to create space for God in our lives. Where and how can we create margin for the Lord to show up, and move us into a deeper relationship with Him?

This requires effort, and intentionality. We may have to say no to some things in order to say yes to Jesus. It usually requires us to step out of comfort, and cautiously move forward with God to allow Him to fill that space however He sees fit.

In a moment of vulnerability, one of my friends shared that she feels capable of creating space, but doesn’t always allow God to govern it. She continued by saying that it feels a little scary to give God full control, because, “What if He leads me to do something I don’t feel prepared for?”

As we continued to process, I felt the Holy Spirit speak up and say: “We can fill the space with good things, but that doesn’t always mean they are God things.” Good, not God.

There are so many things we can do with our time that are good–serve at a local elementary school, volunteer at a nearby shelter, or pick up a part-time job at a coffee shop. All of these things are good, but are they how God wants you to fill the space you’ve created?

It’s a question worth asking. I think we often create space, but neglect to pause and listen long enough to allow the Lord to show us how He wants to fill the time.

Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that God prepares us for whatever He calls us into: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Anytime I read this verse it serves to lift the burden of hesitation when it comes to creating space. God has prepared us, in advance, for whatever He has called us to do.

Take some time this week to pray about how you can create space for the Lord. Be courageous enough to allow Him to govern that time, and trust that He will fill it in a way that only He can.

#Fear #trust #christ #ephesians #thenarrowpath #jesus