Embracing God’s CallingSample

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for the way that you show your goodness and grace to me. Thank you for all you’ve done in Christ for me. Open my eyes to what you want to show me today, and open my heart that I might respond to your voice.

Saved From Something For Something

Ephesians 2:8-9 are some of the most grounding and encouraging words in the New Testament, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV). Our salvation – our reconciliation and relationship with God – is not dependent upon anything we do. It is completely a gift of God. Paul implies here and says elsewhere that we have been saved from our sin and the death that comes with it.

Unfortunately, that’s where many of us stop. But verse ten is just as inspired and equally necessary as we live out the salvation that God offers: “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 God of the universe considers you a work of art… a masterpiece. And not only that, but He has also planned good works for you to do. Things that are specific and unique. Things that only you can do. You have been saved from something for something.

Humanity’s original assignment from God was a work assignment, and God has always used an assortment of vocations to carry out His purposes. Joseph was a government official; Solomon was a king; Ruth was an immigrant and laborer; Nehemiah was an executive and urban planner; Lydia was a business owner; Mary was a mom; Paul was a tentmaker. Each plays a role in moving the gospel forward in the ordinariness of their work.

Honestly, maybe you don’t feel like God has called you where you are. Maybe this idea of calling leaves you restless or discouraged. If so, please remember, God has created you with unique abilities, desires, and opportunities to express His image and join Him in His work.

Take time to reflect:

• When am I most alive at work?
• What energizes me as I do it?
• What am I good at?

A sense of competency and energy points to what God has saved you for. Pay attention to them. Sometimes our job gives us opportunities to experience them, and sometimes competency and energy point us to where God is leading us. Either way, the wonderful gift of being saved from is the starting line for what we’ve been saved for… collaborating with God through our work.

Close in Prayer

To read more about this topic, check out our Workmatters Blog and Workmatters Podcast.