God Has A Plan For Your Life: a devotion by Ann Broughton

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10 NIV).

“Why was I ever born?” Have you ever said that to yourself? I believe there are those reading this right now who think this. Please know that you were born for a very special purpose that God has prepared for you. You are one of a kind and nobody else is like you. God has given you special talents and gifts that you need to use to serve others. I love the verse when Jesus says that the very hairs on your head are numbered. (Matthew 10:30) God knew you before you were born and loved you. “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;” (Psalms 139:13-14 NIV). “For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies”(Psalm 57:10 NIV).

God wants you to trust Him with your future and know that His strength will empower you to do His will even when it seems impossible. My favorite verse is: “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26 NIV). Also, “ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 3:16 KJV).

God has a special purpose for your life and with his strength you can show Jesus’ love to others in your special way. You have a gift that can be used to help others. “We have different gifts, according to the grace given us” (Romans 12:6 NIV). It could be encouraging others, teaching, contributing to the needs of others, leadership, etc. You must pray and ask God what you can do with your gift and then, with God’s strength, use it.

Dear Lord,

I know you have a purpose for my life. Help me to use the gifts you have given me to serve others and be a witness of your tremendous love.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

Be Still: a devotion by Ann Broughton

“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10 NIV)

It seems that there is little time to be still and worship God each day doesn’t it? Life is filled with so many responsibilities and work. A person can be in constant motion all day until bedtime. If you never take time to be still and commune with God you will become burned out quickly. Not only that you will find yourself having a problem with controlling your temper and emotions. Stress will build up and then you will have physical responses that will not be pleasant, such as headaches, stomach pains, stiff necks, to name a few.

Jesus took time to commune with his Father in Heaven during his ministry. He knew how important it was to be still. “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” (Luke 5:16 NIV). Take this example and try to take time every day to be still, read the Bible, and pray. I can guarantee that your attitude will be changed for the better as you lift your worries to God and give them to Him. Let Him fill you with the peace that only He can give you in the midst of your crazy schedules. Early morning would be good, because then you could face your day knowing that God is with you and will help you with your daily concerns.

Personally, I like to read my Bible and then walk in the woods and pray to God. I just feel closer to him there. I can be really stressed when I start out, but as I go and pray it seems like my burdens are lifted. I always come home with a better outlook about my concerns.

You must find the time and place that is suitable for you. But I encourage you to take some time every day to be still, read the Bible, and pray. Then you will find peace in your soul.

Dear God,

Life gets very hectic sometimes. Help me to take time every day to be still and worship you. I know that it is during this time that you will fill me with your peace so I can be your ambassador in a world full of strife.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen