“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10 NLT

 God’s Masterpiece

Michelangelo was once asked what masterpiece he was creating out of the slab of marble he was chiseling. His answer surprised them: “I’m releasing an angel.”

You are God’s masterpiece, His workmanship, His art, His beautiful poem. He named it “your name,” and points to you. He writes, carves and sometimes chisels a bit. He paints, and pauses to smile at His creation with admiration of His own good work that He planned long ago. He laughs with you and cries with you and tenderly holds your heart.

To enhance your beauty, He gave you “family.” He called these His tools, “His refiner’s fire.” He never lost sight of you in these sometimes raging fires because He was always in the furnace with you. He knows and limits these flames and covers you with His wings. You are never burned, scorched, and never even smell like smoke. At times, when you feel like a failure, He tells you that He is pleased with you. You thank Him for His mercy and love and anoint His feet with your tears.

When your delicate heart is grieving in pain, He holds your fragile, breaking heart against His own heartbeat. He heals your ruptured and broken places while strengthening, comforting and calming you. He holds you together and He reminds you: You need not fear bad news; your heart is steadfast because you trust in God.

He planned your good works and applauds you as you walk in them with Him. He is so proud of you—not because of what you have made of yourself but for how you emptied yourself and allowed Him to fill you with His Spirit, to become the person He intended. You walk in His ways.

Performing only for an audience of One, in the quiet of morning you feel His pleasure and dance for Him, and if you listen, you can hear His applause. He sings and dances over you and says, “Oh, it is good. Someday you will dance with Me.”

“Wonderful Creator, how can we thank You enough for Your consistent and unconditional love? Thank You for Your patience while You work on Your masterpieces who sometimes try to take Your tools from You so they can do it themselves. Forgive our presumption. Help us to cooperate and willingly submit to Your capable hands.”