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Scripture: Ephesians 2:1–10
Key Verse: “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)
“Who are you?” The question hung uncomfortably in the air for this military teen. (It was just as confusing as the “Where are you from” question military teens are often asked). Experiences and labels are not always the truest reflection of who we are. You can see what we mean through this boy’s story:
First of all, he was born handicapped. Yet God was with him.
Then he was abandoned at birth in Beijing, China. Yet God was with him.
Because of his handicap, he lived for ten years in a communist institution, with daily trauma. Yet God was with him.
Next, he was adopted by a US Air Force family. Yet God was with him.
He was brought into their home. Loved. Called “son” and “brother,” and became part of this family, along with six other internationally-adopted children. Yet God was with him.
When asked, “Who are you?”—a question that many teens dread—his face breaks into a smile. Why? He knows he is a child of the living God, and God is always with him—past, present, and future.
The book of Ephesians tells us that we are God’s workmanship—his very design—created in Jesus to reflect God’s goodness. As you go about doing the “good works” God has planned for you, remember that God is with you!
Consider
Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus so you can experience unconditional love, as his child in spite of your circumstances?
What good works do you believe God has created you to accomplish and grow through?
Practice
Find a fellow military teen who was adopted. Ask them if they would be willing to tell their story of adoption and how that affects who they are. Then share this story with them.
Chat
Heavenly Father, your Word says you created me and are always with me. Thank you for loving me just as I am, and help me to learn more about you from your Word and love you more every day.
