For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-10
Most people don’t know that my wife Maureen’s given name is Josanna (Hosanna in the Bible means “save now”). I am reading Ephesians chapter two today (Ok, confession… I went back and read chapter one as well). But, how do I not think about verses 8-10? It cannot be ignored. As incredible as everything else written, this passage says, I am saved! It happened through God’s unmerited favor, His grace. He liked me before I ever did anything worth liking. And then, He put in me an ability to believe, respond, and trust in an invisible God – that’s faith. It wasn’t inherent in me. He gave me faith. And now I am a work in process. He is chipping, building, shaping, me, so I can do good works which are litterally a footstep away.
Yesterday Lord, I felt like you wanted to re-direct my path. So much so, that I messed up our vacation. Why? I am not altogether sure, but I know we were supposed to give the girl who was crying on the patio, outside the yogurt shop the tissues.
God, you care about people enough to show your “lavish” love upon them. You would redirect your people 1000 miles to show simple love and care to a crying girl who was contemplating something so overwhelming it brought her to tears. I pray you reveal your saving work and what that was all about. In Jesus name.
