God’s Handiwork - Encouragement Café - July 12, 2016

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God’s Handiwork
By Julie Denker
Tuesday, July 12, 2016

"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 Scripture verse, Ephesians 2:10, has been huge in my life.  As a Christ follower, I am His workmanship in Christ Jesus and He prepares beforehand that which I am to do next.  The image is that He surrounds me on every side and provides all I need when I need it.

It reminds me of the time I went roller skating.  Now you need to know that for someone with cerebral palsy staying balanced is the biggest challenge.  All it takes for me to lose my balance is a shift in the wind when I’m outside walking or someone brushing their sleeve against me in a crowded hallway.  Actually, sometimes I’ll just lose my balance when I’m standing still talking with a friend.

The one time I roller skated I had four friends help me.  One friend was on my left side and another was on the right side and each was holding one of my arms.  Another friend was in front of us clearing the way, and another one was behind me holding my waist with her hands and providing added stability so I wouldn’t wipe out.  One time around the roller rink was all it took for me to say

Hold it gang.  I can now say I’ve roller skated (sort of).  You know it would be a lot more fun for me (and you) if I just watched.

So that is what I did.  It didn’t hurt my feelings to sit on the bench.  To this day I can remember having a great time laughing at their antics as they did crazy stuff on their roller skates.

• Think of a time where you’ve seen how God has surrounded you.  Did you recognize His provision for you? 
• How is He doing that now in your life? 
• Often times in real life you hear stories or accounts of someone who was surrounded because they had done something wrong and needed to surrender in order to be confined.
• How is this image of God surrounding you and preparing that which He next wants you to do hopeful and freeing? 

Father, what incredible comfort to know that like an immovable fortress You surround us.  Nothing comes into our lives that hasn’t first gone through Your hand.  Great is Your faithfulness. 

© 2013 by Julie Denker.  All rights reserved.

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