This week as I was participating in the ongoing training of six dads/pastors in Cameroon, Africa and the graduation of twelve dads/ministry leaders in Chennai, India, I was once again consumed by this truth. I have shared it with both groups and presented a challenge to each. It was no accident that they were invited to be a part of this fatherhood discipleship mission that is spreading throughout many areas of the world. The Lord had selected them for a time and season.
The verse that echoes this truth is found in Ephesians. It’s quite profound when you meditate on the breadth and depth of its meaning. It comes right after the two verses for salvation by grace and not our works. But then the Spirit turns over the leaf. You’ve been saved, but for what purpose?
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Eph. 2.10). These brothers have been chosen to execute this work in their families and wherever God chooses to send them. This goes for you and me. We are not just idle members of the Kingdom; we have ‘good works’ to be about that God has already prepared for us. Guaranteed success, that is, unless we choose to walk away and miss the joy.
Folks, ‘prepared beforehand’ means it was determined by the Trinity before creation. Wow! Simply, grace upon grace! Enjoy the work he has prepared for you! And praise Him for saving and using you!