Here By Design

Our pastor recently shared that his father loved to sing out in worship. He did so loudly and with great enthusiasm. But, from his family’s perspective, he couldn’t carry a tune. However, if anyone commented, his father responded with, “This is the voice God gave me, and it pleases Him.” I love that. We are all here by design. God’s design.

I have never been particularly fond of my own singing voice, but hearing that God wants us to use what He has given us helps me appreciate more the characteristics that make up me.

It is easy for any of us to focus on our inadequacies.

Who among us has not expressed disappointment with the way we are equipped–wanting a different hair color, or a different eye color, a different height, or weight or strength? Who hasn’t wished they were smarter, more winsome or more athletic? Who hasn’t wished to live somewhere more attractive or have more opportunities available? It seems most of us consider ourselves not measuring up to what we want to be.

God is sovereign. He made us intentionally, by design. He knew us before we were born. He planned out our days. We are His workmanship, created to do the works that He prepared long ago. Each of us is uniquely suited for the purpose for which we were created. He determined what part of the planet we would occupy, what family we would be born into, and what functions He desires for us to carry out. He is wise and His purposes are good. Each of us is made in God’s image, by His design, for His purposes. Using the gifts and abilities He has provided pleases Him.

The most fulfilling thing we can do is live into what we were created for–to be faithful wherever He has placed us, to shine His light to the people around us. To fail to seek God’s purpose leads to disappointment and frustration.

Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 NLT

God is an extraordinary Creator. Every snowflake is uniquely designed. Puppies, roses and butterflies are all individually known to our Creator. He knows each sparrow personally. He knows the number of hairs on your head. He knows everything that makes you uniquely you.

No one else can be you. God made you to be you. There are some things only you can do. Live out your mission. Be who God created you to be. You are here by design.

Each of us must rethink our less-than-perfect qualities. We are perfect in His sight.
Our gaps in ability show our neediness. Less than perfect from our perspective shows how much we need our Creator–apart from Him we can do nothing. But in Him, we can do everything He designed us to do.

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

Blessings,
Phyllis

I would love to hear your thoughts. Please leave a comment below.

Image by Diverse Pixel from Pixabay

Copyright 2023 Phyllis L. Farringer

4 thoughts on “Here By Design

  1. Pat Burns says:

    What a great reminder of how we are made and to not complain over things we don’t like, especially our singing voice. Let us all sing out!

    1. Phyllis Farringer says:

      Yes, Pat, let us sing and praise Him!

  2. Charlotte of Kansas says:

    Phyllis, your message is an encouragement. I especially liked your words,
    “Each of us is uniquely suited for the purpose for which we were created.”
    You pointed to 2 Corinthian 10:31 which would make a timely poster in our homes and on our hearts: “….do it all for the glory of God.”

Comments are closed.