For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10
I remember sitting on my bed with six-year-old Katie, explaining this verse. God planned you, Katie. He has big things for you in this life - good works - that He has already prepared for you to do. You won't always live here with Daddy and me. At this, her jaw dropped, as if she thought I was kicking her out of the house, and I am not sure how much more she heard me say. I went on, And my job, as your mom, is to help you find your way. Not only do I have to teach you how to cook and do laundry and make your own decisions, but I want to help you know who you are in Jesus, because you won't always be here with me. In a few years, you will leave home, and I want you to do some really incredible things that God already has planned for you. I was reminded of this moment as I listened to Chad teach this verse today. I could hear myself saying, Katie, God created you for a purpose . . . you won't always live here with me . . . I have to get you there . . . Recently, I sat on the bed with another of my children. This child expressed the despair that often rises up each day - in such benign situations as reading the name Katie in a word problem on a math quiz. As I attempted to elucidate an answer for how to live, I looked up at the pictures of Katie . . . laughing, smiling and making silly faces with people she loved . . . and I said, I believe that God created Katie for a purpose (Ephesians 2:10) and that he planned her days out perfectly for that purpose (Psalm 139:16). Even when so many people prayed for Katie to be healed and questioned God's answer to that request, I believe God actually gave us a lot of good things (graces) because of those prayers. I believe that Katie's story was exactly what God wanted it to be. Then I looked at my child and said, So if I believe that about Katie's life, then I believe that about my life, too. I believe that God has a purpose for me . . . for my life . . . for my every day. And I believe that he knows exactly the number of days he has ordained for me in that. So I keep getting up and moving forward. Some days, some moments, I stop - just like you did when you looked at that math quiz and saw Katie's name. You stop, you think, you remember. But then you finish the test. Me, too. Sometimes I pause. Sometimes I am paralyzed by the memory. Some days I don't want to continue. I don't want to finish the test. I don't want to move forward. But I do. And you can, too. I get out of bed every day because of Ephesians 2:10. Because I am uniquely and gracefully crafted by God for something incredible which he has already planned for me. Just like Katie.
7 Comments
Brittany
3/10/2019 08:40:25 pm
So beautiful, this blog, her story, and her! I didn’t get the chance to ever meet and know her, but her testimony is so great! Thank you for sharing! I needed to hear the message from Chad today and your blog so thank you! 💜
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Jacki
3/10/2019 10:55:12 pm
❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏
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Donetta
3/11/2019 04:39:05 am
Thanks for sharing how to be a good mom!
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Shannon Louk
3/11/2019 09:29:14 am
Blessings to each of you in your moments of pause and as you continue your good works in Christ.
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Brenda Clendenin
3/11/2019 07:50:28 pm
This is beautiful Sarah, just like you and Katie. I often think of her. Just yesterday I was imagining how she is walking hand in hand with our Lord down the streets paved with gold. She will always be in the hearts of many. Love you both! ❤
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Morgan
3/20/2019 09:40:14 am
I really really needed to read this today. Thank you for sharing.
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Whitney Cox
3/21/2019 10:11:05 pm
This message is beautiful, Sarah; and I loved what Chad said in his message about our pain qualifying us for ministry. I can see the ways God is using your pain to move, strengthen, and bring healing to so many. He never wastes a hurt. 💜 I love seeing Katie’s smiling face in these pictures.
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