“The chaos around you shouldn’t override the calm within you. Living out your destiny simply means living according to God’s divine design within you. It means carrying out the full authority you have been granted and ruling in the realm where He has placed you. It entails fully developing and maximizing the masterpiece known as you.”- Dr. Tony Evans
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”- Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
In Chapter 1 (“Concept”) of Discover Your Destiny, Dr. Tony Evans talks about the great Italian sculptor, painter, architects, and poet Michelangelo. When he observed an imperfect, jagged-edged, bulky, unshaped block of marble, Michelangelo saw the treasure within. Therefore, Michelangelo once described the process this way: “I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.”
Hence, Michelangelo saw a masterpiece. And God sees you the same way. In Ephesians 2:10, the Greek word translated workmanship = poiema. We get our English word poem from this word. The word denotes a work of art, a masterpiece. Dr. Evans explains:
“When God made you, He went to work — intentionally and delicately crafting your personality, looks, passions, skills . . . even allowing your imperfections and planting your dreams all into one magnificent work of art. In fact, God did more than plant your dream inside you. God dreamed a dream for you.”
Furthermore, the purpose for which God made you includes:
- responsible stewardship of God’s authority
- expanding His dominion
- more than merely showcasing your talents
- impacting your world for good by ruling the realm where God has positioned you
Finally, Tony stresses, God designed you with all you need to productively rule your world. Certainly, you’ll face challenges. But God often uses those trials to strengthen and develop you. Those trials won’t overpower you or shake you. And, in spite of them, you feel secure and peaceful.
Today’s question: Does the chaos around you override the calm within you? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: the annotated bibliography of You Are Never Alone
