Created To Do His Will
6-1-04

In the message "We Are The Created" we were reminded that God is the Creator and we are the clay being molded by the loving hands of the Potter; "We are all the work of Your hand" (Isaiah 64:8). Our Father is shaping us to the likeness of His Son; but what is our purpose during this shaping process?

Our transformation begins the moment we trust in Jesus, and we soon learn that our Salvation is never earned by "doing" anything; "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith" (Ephesians 2:8). But we also learn that eternal life is reserved for those who do God's will - following Him is not an optional part of the Christian walk. We cannot truly accept Jesus as Savior without also beginning a journey of trust and walking in His steps. Faith means trusting Him enough to follow!

1 John 2:17
"The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever."

We generally like the idea of "new birth" when we think of being born into God's Kingdom as His child. But we become uncomfortable when we hear: "You are not your own; you were bought at a price" (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). We get uneasy when we read; "You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God" (Romans 6:22). There is no Salvation without a voluntary and willful transfer of ownership - and we need to face the difficult truth that this means a transfer of control.

Giving up control is never easy. It can be extra scary to face the unknown from the passenger seat; and it can be an offense to our pride to move over and allow someone else (even God!) to drive. The roots of "self" go very deep. But as we completely release and trust, God brings us to that wonderful place of peace where we can say; "Whom have I in Heaven but You? And earth has nothing I desire besides You" (Psalm 73:25). We will find great joy in a complete surrender to the will of our Heavenly Father.

We must release everything to Him and seek Him, and Him alone, with all our heart. But as we do, He will mold what we release and show us how to use ALL for His glory; "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works" (Ephesians 2:10). He will give us the tools to accomplish His will, and in the process meet every one of our needs and fulfill our deepest desires.

He is the Potter and we are the clay. He is the Creator and we are definitely "the created." But we have been created with a awesome purpose. We have been given gifts, talents, and abilities, which when given back to God are used to bring Him glory and honor. This IS our purpose! We have been created to glorify His Name as we love Him and trust Him with all our heart. Let's bring Him glory and honor as we walk in the understanding that we have been created to do His will.

Have A Great Day!