The Story God Has Written: Walking in His Purpose
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved." —Ephesians 1:3-6 (ESV)
[This blog series is a review and reflection on some of the themes I have written on this blog.]
One of the things I love to think about is God’s Story. In our world today, we’re often told we can be the masters of our own fate, that we can live whatever dreams we set our minds on. And while that sounds appealing, it also comes with a lot of pressure. What if I make the wrong decision? What if I work hard and don’t accomplish what I hoped?
This is why I often write about the importance of remembering that before we were born, God already had a story. Ephesians 1 reminds us that it started even before creation: He chose and predestined us to be His children, before the foundation of the world. [For a deeper look at how Scripture unfolds God’s story, see Seeing Jesus in the Old Testament.]
In love, this God who knows me intimately as my Creator has written my days in His book—even before a single one existed (Psalm 139:16). When He redeemed me through Christ, His plan was to shape me into His likeness, even through the difficult and painful moments of life (Romans 8:28-29). As His workmanship, we are created in Christ Jesus for good works, which He prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10). And one day, He will complete the work He began (Philippians 1:6).
Our God has plans—and those plans include us! He chose us to be part of His family, building up the body of Christ to maturity (Ephesians 4:12-13). As 1 Peter 2:5 teaches, we are living stones, being built into a spiritual house. My life is not meant to be lived independently, but dependently on Him—and together with others. Understanding His Story has made life so much less scary for me, and it has helped me live more fully and confidently in His plan.
This doesn’t mean I need to worry about “getting it right” or missing His will. Whether big or small, every task I do—whether as a mom caring for my family or serving in ministry—can be used by Him for His glory.
Because He has written the Story, I can live each day trusting that He is using my life to accomplish what He has started. I may not know all the details, but I can trust that when I serve Him with my life, He will be honored.
I hope this encourages you, my friend. May you walk today in the confidence that God is the author of your story, and that every thought, effort, and step you take can bring Him glory.
Connecting Your Dots
In this series, I’ll be including some questions to help you move from idea to steps of faith. You do not need to do all of them—pick and choose the ones that are most thought-provoking or provide the most help in this season of your life
1. Understanding God’s Story
How does the truth that God has written your story before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:3–6) change the way you see your life today?
In what areas of your life do you feel pressure to “figure it all out” on your own? How might God’s story bring perspective there?
2. Seeing Your Place in His Story
How does knowing you are chosen to be part of God’s family (Ephesians 4:12–13) impact your sense of purpose or value?
Where in your current routines, relationships, or responsibilities might God be inviting you to participate in His larger story?
3. Trusting God’s Work
What is one fear or anxiety you can bring to God today, trusting that He is completing the work He began in you (Philippians 1:6)?
Think of a recent challenge or disappointment. How could this moment be used by God for His glory or to shape your character?
4. Taking Your Next Step
What is one small action today where you can intentionally surrender your plans to God and ask Him to guide your steps?
Is there one area of your day—home, work, relationships—where you can pause and ask, “How can I honor God here?”
How could you celebrate or note evidence of God’s handiwork in your life this week? (E.g., journaling, prayer, telling someone)
5. Connecting Reflection to Growth
If God’s story has a purpose for you, what is one thing you can do this week to live more intentionally in that purpose?
How could reflecting on God as the originator of your ideas and work change your approach to your tasks, relationships, or goals?
