masterpiece - cmi sealed orders #1 - "who do you think you are?"

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:10

Mary had grown up knowing she was different from the other kids, and she hated it. She was born with a cleft palate.  She had to bear the jokes and stares of cruel children who teased her non-stop about her misshapen lip, crooked nose, and garbled speech.

With all the teasing, Mary grew up hating the fact that she was "different".  She was convinced that no one, outside her family, could ever love her . . . until she entered Mrs. Leonard's class. Mrs. Leonard had a warm smile, a round face, and shiny brown hair.  While everyone in her class liked her, Mary came to love Mrs. Leonard.

In the 1950's, it was common for teachers to give their children an annual hearing test.  However, in Mary's case, in addition to her cleft palate, she was barely able to hear out of one ear.  Determined not to let the other children have another "difference" to point out, she cheated every year.  The "whisper test" was given by having a child walk to the classroom door, turn sideways, close one ear with a finger, and then repeat something which the teacher whispered.  Mary turned her bad ear towards her teacher and pretended to cover her good ear.  She knew that teachers would often say things like, "The sky is blue," or "What color are your shoes?"

But not on that day.

Surely, God put seven words in Mrs. Leonard's mouth that changed Mary's life forever.  When the "whisper test" came, Mary heard the words: "I wish you were my little girl."

God loves you so much.  Sure, you aren’t perfect – no one is.  But God created you just as you are – with all your flaws, shortcomings, gifts, talents and personality – for his eternal purpose.  You are his masterpiece!

When you are tempted to feel discouraged about some way that you are different than those around you, remember that God loves you.  Remember that he has a plan for your life and that he created you to live out that plan.

The Apostle Paul reminds us, “We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

As you sit quietly, listen as God whispers his words of love to you: “You are my precious child.” 

Does knowing God uniquely created you with his love motivate you to live for him in the world?

What good works does he have prepared for you to do?