Read the transcript from today's video devotional.
This verse is so incredible in the way of encouragement to the self. Sometimes when we're going through life and we're experiencing all that comes with it, we can begin to feel like maybe we're not showing up in the ways that we want to. Maybe there are things about ourselves that we're not always super enthused with, and every now and then, it's just good to receive a little bit of encouragement.
There's something about the encouragement that comes from others that is super fulfilling. It helps us to feel affirmed and encouraged, and it sends us into a day with a level of affirmation that's important, but there is nothing that can match the affirmation and the encouragement of the truth of how God sees us, how He created us, and who we are in light of what He's done.
Created with Intention and Purpose
This verse is the epitome of that. This is a description of how God created us with intention and purpose, and there's a level of complexity to it that shows the detail that was represented in His creation of humankind. We individually have the intention of God at the hand of our very beginning here on earth. Talk about affirmation or encouragement—you were made as God's workmanship here on earth for a purpose.
When I think about the word workmanship, it's really interesting because it alludes to the idea of there being an artistic expression. A lot of times the word workmanship can come with a craftsman, maybe woodworking. I think about friends who work in leather, or maybe even a blacksmith. No matter what you think of, there is a created element to the work that is being done by the creator. When the creator puts their hand to the work that is being done, the workmanship is shown. What comes from that intentionality?
God's Artistic Expression
When I think about God, He is the great Workman. He is the One who is creating everything. We, then, are His artistic expression here on earth. It's almost like this world is a canvas and we are not the artist. We are not even the paintbrush. We are the art being painted on the world because of God's intention with us.
The reason that broad view focused all the way into the individual is so important is that the God of the universe saw you from the very beginning, created you with intention and purpose, and when connected to Him, we live out in the world the expression of the intention of the Artist who created us.
Remember God's Truth About You
The affirmation we receive is that we were made by God on purpose. During the times where we feel low or negative about our existence, the times where we feel defeated or deflated, it's important to remember what it says in this scripture: Thank you God for making me so wonderfully.
Sometimes we need to remind ourselves that God didn't make a mistake with us, and it's our job to realize what He's made us to do and made us to be, and to live in the wake of that reality.
