Who has saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.
—2 Timothy 1:9
Grace is a gift we receive, but it comes with a purpose! Once we understand God loves and accepts us, we are equipped to fulfill His purpose. This idea is found throughout the New Testament.
God’s grace reached Paul on the road to Damascus. It was full of His purpose.
“But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you” (Acts 26:16)
God’s grace works for the good of those called according to His purpose.
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).
God has a purpose for you. He wishes to accomplish things in and through you. You have unique gifts and ideas to develop and use. His grace is available for you to live that purpose.
The degree to which we understand our purpose is the degree to which we experience true peace, joy, and faith.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:8-10).
Grace through faith saves us. That same grace leads us into the good works God has prepared and purposed for us. And the same faith that makes us righteous is the same faith that brings His work to life in us. Grace without purpose makes our faith of no value. Just as Jesus told Paul on the road to Damascus that God’s purpose would be revealed to and through him, God desires His purpose to be shown to and through you. When you pursue His purpose, it must be with His grace as your strength.
Your unique purpose comprises smaller purposes that give overall life to the special one God has given you. Your purpose includes everyone you know and everyone you influence. It plays out in your relationships and those you come in contact with every day.
Your faith is alive, breathing, and moving as the Spirit moves and breathes in you. Be open to His calling. Don’t say you can’t. Say you can in His strength! You are not called to empower yourself. Your work without Jesus is in vain. It profits you nothing. But the Holy Spirit working in and through you can accomplish more than you ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).
There is grace for you, my friend! You are God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works! Never think less of yourself because you know your imperfections and your struggles. We all have imperfections and struggles, but God sees excellent things in all His children. He sees Jesus in you. You are one of a kind and of immeasurable worth in His Kingdom!
Step out in faith. Jesus Christ, full of grace and truth, empowers you. The Spirit is in you to reveal God’s purpose and move in you! Let Him!
“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63).
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