If I were to paint a picture of my life over the past year and allow the picture to determine who I am or develop an identity based on my experiences, circumstances, diagnoses, and failures; honestly the picture would look nothing like a masterpiece. It would look messy and nothing like a work of art. Why? Because from our human perspective we don’t often view trouble, disruptions, challenging circumstances in a positive light. We tend to allow fear in or get distracted as frustration creeps around and we start to believe we just don’t measure up. Our identity becomes I am more of a mess than a masterpiece at times, right?

I couldn’t read until I was in the fourth grade. I was placed in a resource classroom because it was discovered that I was not only dyslexic, but I also have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). What a great combination right? Dyslexia makes it challenging for children to learn and read. Kids with ADHD can’t seem to sit still, struggle to focus, and tend to be off task at times. The newfound knowledge certainly revealed why I had so many academic struggles, which was a good thing, but it also left a bad mark on my life, a blemish on the overall picture of who I was in life. It held me back, a convincing story that I was not enough. The negative stories are easy to believe, especially when you don’t have a solid foundation in your life. I think even as Christians, we can know who we are in Christ and understand all Jesus did for us on the cross. Yet, in the struggles of everyday life, we can forget so quickly and push away our true identity.

The Apostle Paul wrote the book of Ephesians while in prison in Rome. I love how Paul identifies himself as a prisoner of Christ while being a prisoner in Rome. He evaluated his very real circumstance, but he knew who he was. He belonged to Christ. Understanding our identity and position in who we are in Christ is so important to our faith, as it will make or break us in time of need.

Do you know who you are? Do you believe you are a masterpiece? A work of art? Well, the Bible tells us that we are not just any masterpiece, but we are God’s masterpiece, his workmanship. This truth will shape us into a masterpiece as we learn to trust that God is making us into something beautiful. The Apostle Paul encourages us throughout the book of Ephesians to develop a “masterpiece” kind of perspective not just towards ourselves but to have this kind of view towards others.

Let’s think about what the word masterpiece means. The Webster dictionary describes the word masterpiece as “anything done with master, skill or excellence, an outstanding piece of work by a creative artist or craftsman. A masterpiece is a gem, jewel, treasure, cream of the crop, showpiece, flower, a classic.” Friends, you are a classic even with all your flaws because God is still working in you.

Let me give you an example from a part of my life. God has a way of making a mess into a masterpiece. When we believe in Him, somehow, he can use even our weakness. God took my troubles with learning and gave me a passion to work in special education. Because of what I had gone through, the tough times molded me into a very patient, compassionate person with a heart for those with learning challenges. The Lord gave me the determination to grow and taught me to help others fight to overcome their disabilities, not letting the disability define who they are. It is funny to me that God put a desire in my heart to write. I write devotionals. I share the stories of my life in hopes of glorifying God through them. I pray to magnify how God’s awesome word is life changing. People all over can read devotions from my Godshaped blog. I should be one of the last people to not only have a desire to write because writing requires a lot of reading, but I should be the least qualified person for this task for all that I lack. Yet, somehow, in God’s grace, He keeps pushing me through the reading and writing process.  “For nothing is impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37)

You see, the Apostle Paul’s writings in the book of Ephesians reminds us of who we are in Christ. The writings inspire and teach us what to do with the armor of God and how to live spiritually well. Paul showed us throughout the New Testament that he was not defined by his circumstances, nor did he reflect them but rather he became part of Gods awesome plan. Paul like us, is a handiwork, Gods own beautiful masterpiece. Paul lived out, “For we are Gods masterpiece, he has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago”. (Ephesian’s 2:10) When we put our lives in the Greatest artist’s hands, we get a chance to live as a masterpiece too!

The Masterpiece we are and some scripture references:

You are chosen: Even before the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. (Ephesians 1:4-5)

We are not ordinary, but one of a kind: Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. (Isaiah 64:8)

You are not a mistake you measure up flaws and all: “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful; I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.”  (Psalm 139:14-16)

True value is found only in God: “Remember this, he has identified you as his own”.  (Ephesian’s 3:30)

Liking the unique person you are, the strengths, the weaknesses, and begin to see yourself the way God does: “Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.”  (Ephesian’s 1:4-5)

 Dear God,

Thank you for your awesome word and the encouragement we find in it, the hope we find as we draw closer to you and live out our faith. I pray for anyone reading this devotional, that you would grow them in their faith and that you would illuminate yourself to each person. Thank you that you are capable of turning even the messiest parts of us into a masterpiece!

In Jesus Name Amen!!!

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