Devotionals for the Heart: The Unfolding of God's Grand Narrative

Finding Direction in God's Grand Narrative
A devotional by Dr. Gladys Childs

“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)

Ever felt like you're drifting through life, lost at sea without a compass?

You're not alone. We've all hit those moments of “What am I even doing here?”

It's easy to get caught in the daily grind and lose sight of our purpose. But here's the exciting part—feeling directionless isn't a dead end; it's a signpost. It's that inner nudge pushing you to dig deeper and uncover the path God has uniquely crafted for you.

When we recognize that we are part of God's grand narrative, our perspective shifts. Instead of seeing our lives as isolated incidents, we view them as chapters in a much larger story. This understanding provides a sense of continuity and significance. The Bible is full of individuals whose lives had specific purposes within God's plan—like Moses, Esther, and Paul. Each of them understood their lives in the context of God's overarching story, which gave them direction and meaning.

This understanding transforms how we approach our daily lives. No matter how mundane, every task becomes an opportunity to participate in God's plan. Helping a neighbor, excelling in our work, or simply being present for our families takes on eternal significance when we see them as part of God's bigger picture. Our lives become a series of purposeful moments rather than random occurrences.

In a relationship with God, our values begin to align with His. Worldly measures of success—wealth, status, and power—lose their luster in the light of God's values where we prioritize love, service, humility, and integrity. Jesus Christ’s teachings in the Sermon on the Mount (found in the Bible book of Matthew, chapters 5-7) emphasize the blessedness of the meek, the merciful, and the peacemakers.

This shift in values profoundly impacts our decisions. We consider not just what benefits us but what glorifies God and serves others. This could mean choosing a career that aligns with our passions and talents to serve a greater good rather than one that offers a high salary. It could also mean making ethical decisions in business, prioritizing honesty and fairness over profit.

A relationship with God provides a secure foundation for our identity. Our achievements, failures, or the opinions of others do not define us. Instead, we are defined by God's love and His view of us. Psalm 139:13-14 speaks to this, where David acknowledges that God has intricately designed and known him from the beginning.

Understanding that we are God's workmanship (Ephesians 2:10), created for good works, helps us to embrace our unique roles in His Kingdom. Each person has specific gifts and talents, and our purpose is to use these gifts to glorify God and benefit others. This might involve acts of service, creative expression, leadership, or caregiving. The parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) encourages us to use what we've been given wisely and diligently.

Experiencing Transformation

A relationship with God is transformative. As we draw closer to Him, we undergo personal growth and change. The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—begins manifesting in our lives. This growth not only benefits us but also positively impacts those around us.

Living in a relationship with God means our faith is not just a private matter but a public one. Our actions and attitudes testify to God's presence in our lives. This doesn't mean we have to be perfect, but we constantly seek to reflect God's love and grace in our interactions with others. Which can inspire and encourage those around us, drawing them towards their relationship with God.

Finding Peace and Assurance

One of the most profound benefits of a relationship with God is the peace from knowing we are walking in His purpose. This peace, described in Philippians 4:7 as surpassing all understanding, guards our hearts and minds. It helps us confidently navigate life's challenges and uncertainties, knowing that God is in control and has a plan for us.

Finally, a relationship with God assures us of an eternal purpose. We are not living for this world alone but for an eternal kingdom. This eternal perspective helps us endure hardships, remain steadfast in our faith, and live with hope. Knowing that our lives have everlasting significance provides a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment that nothing in this world can offer.

Reflect:

1. Have you felt directionless lately? How might recognizing God's grand narrative change your perspective?

2. What tasks or roles in your life can you start seeing as part of God's bigger picture?

3. In what ways can you align your values more closely with God's?

Let’s Pray: Lord, help me to see my life as part of Your grand narrative. Align my values with Yours and guide my decisions to glorify You and serve others. Let me find my identity in Your love and purpose in Your plan. Fill me with Your peace that surpasses all understanding as I walk in the good works You have prepared for me. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Glorious Unfolding” by Steven Curtis Chapman. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Dr. Gladys Childs is an author, speaker, religion professor, pastor's wife, and mom helping others be F.R.E.E. to Thrive© for the abundant life God has for them. She serves as Chaplain at Texas Wesleyan University and the Women’s Director at LifePoint Fellowship. She brings 25 years of experience and knowledge to her ministry. 

Gladys is frequently called authentic, witty, and candid as she shares her journey through life’s ups and downs. Her passion is meeting people at the intersection of faith and life’s difficulties. No stranger to heartache herself, she grew up in a non-church-going family with an alcoholic mother and is a trauma survivor.

Gladys holds a Ph.D. in Foundations of Education, a Master’s in Religious Education, a Master of Divinity, and a B.A. with a double major in Counseling and Psychology. Also, she is an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church.

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