“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

Our verse for today tells us that, first, we are God’s handiwork; He made each one of us to be just who we are. Second, that we were created in Jesus to do good works. And third, that God has already prepared our way, our path. He has gotten us ready. He has given us the gifts and talents and desires that we need to do those “good works.” As we seek to follow God, He prepares our way.

Let me share with you one of my stories that shows how God can prepare your way.

When I was a kid about 6 years old, my parents decided that we were going to move to a new city in a new state because my dad had a new job there. I didn’t want to move. My dad had built our house. We had woods all around and a creek to play in. We had a beautiful shepherd named Buff who shared her doghouse if ever you were lonely. I didn’t want to move. I cried. But we still had to go.

We moved over the summer so that we would be settled in before school. Our house was on a street with lots of other houses, no woods, no creek, but we did have a huge willow tree in the back yard. And the street was full of families with kids! My sister and I usually just had each other to play with, now we had enough kids to play baseball or football. We could ride our bikes to a playground only a few blocks away.

I grew up there, climbing into the weeping willow tree, playing hide and seek with lots of friends and loving our neighborhood, and finding God and joining the church. It was wonderful! God had prepared my way. All the things I could have wanted and needed (even if I didn’t know it), He provided.  

Sometimes your way may be better than you expected, like mine. Sometimes your way may be much easier than you expected. Sometimes your way may be more difficult, and you have to work a bit harder. I have some of those stories, too. But always remember, God is preparing your way. He is guiding you along the very best path for you!

Talk with your parents about how God prepares our ways. Ask them to share a story of how God prepared their way and guided them. Then, with your parents, look at your life and decide how God has prepared your way. Did he give you a special gift or talent? What things do you love to do? What “good works” is God preparing for you now? How can you help others?

This week look to God and let Him prepare your way to do good works. Think about one thing you can do or one person you can help. God has a good work for you and has prepared your way.

Blessings and joy, as God prepares your way!