Tag Archive for: Ephesians 2:10

Renovations of the Heart

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Ephesians 2:10 — “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

They say every old house has secrets. Some are charming—like crown molding tucked behind drywall. Others are… less charming. And I have found a few in mine.

Before I bought this house knowing it would need love. The kitchen needs light, the bathroom needs plumbing, and don’t get me started on the wallpaper.

I hired a contractor to do a walk through with me. I needed to see what I had in my head versus what really needed to take place. As we explored the home, he pointed out things that needed fixing that I never would have thought about.

I’m just thinking, “Hey, you’re the expert.” But I’m also like, “Are you sure. Do we really have to take that out or go that route?”

As I walk through these rooms, I think about my own heart. How many times have I patched a crack instead of fixing the foundation? How many walls have I painted over, hoping no one would notice what was underneath? The truth is, both my house and my soul are in need of renovations—deep ones.

But here’s the sweet surprise: God doesn’t bulldoze us when He renovates. He points things out we need to grow in. He restores us. He works with us patiently and tenderly. One broken board at a time.

And He does it with a purpose in mind. “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).

I don’t know what this house will look like when I’m through. I don’t know what I’ll look like when God’s through, either. But I do know both of us are in good hands, and I believe it will be worth it.

So if you’re in the middle of your own “demo day,” don’t despair. Beauty doesn’t come from skipping the hard work. Stick around long enough, and you’ll see beauty rise up from the inside out.

 

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

  • Where do you sense God is inviting you to let Him do some renovation work in your heart?
  • What “patch jobs” have you relied on that He may want to replace with deeper restoration?
  • How does remembering you are God’s masterpiece change the way you see your struggles and growth?
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Comparison Kills Calling

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Ephesians 2:10 — “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

I have been reconnected lately with a few of my old high school classmates, and honestly, it has been a lot of fun. There is something sweet about reminiscing with people who remember your bad haircuts and awkward stage.

I graduated from Tallulah Academy. My class had twenty-seven people, so yes, when I say I finished fifth, it sounds great. But let’s be honest… fifth out of twenty-seven is not exactly a headline.

Still, for me, it’s more than just a number. It reminds me of a mindset people often fall into. The way we all kept score in high school. Who was the smartest? Who made the team? Who got invited where?

And it is funny how those habits follow us through life. The scoreboard just changes.

Now I catch myself comparing houses, talents, jobs, and ministries. I notice who gets more recognition. Who seems to have more influence? Who is moving faster? And that same quiet voice creeps in—”You are behind.”

I have looked around and wondered, “Why can’t I do what they do?

But here is the thing—I was never meant to be them. I was made to be Tammi.

God had a plan for me long before I knew how to spell my own name, and He did not get it wrong. He knew what He was doing.

So, friend, instead of keeping score or asking why you can’t do what someone else can, maybe ask this—”What has God put in me that only I can bring to the world?”

What lane has God put you in? That is not a mistake. It is a calling, and no one can run it quite like you can.

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Right Place Right Faith

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Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

When Shelby Anders boarded the flight, she expected nothing more than pretzels and a nap. She had clocked enough hours in the ICU that week to last her a while.

But just after takeoff, a commotion started a few rows ahead.

“Somebody help! He’s not responding!”

Shelby didn’t think. She stood.

“I’m a cardiac ICU nurse,” she said, already leaning over the man. He was slumped, face colorless.

Shelby started compressions. Her arms knew the rhythm, but her heart felt the weight. An ER doctor joined. Then another nurse. They moved like a single unit, strangers with the same mission.

The man’s wife—Melanie—was shaking. “Lord,” she whispered, “I need You.”

The minutes stretched long. Too long.

And then, it happened. A heartbeat. A breath. A sign of life.

When the plane touched down in New York, paramedics waited on the tarmac. The man was still alive. His wife held Shelby’s hand for a moment before following the stretcher. She didn’t say much—just “Thank you.” But the look in her eyes said the rest.

Someone called her brave. Someone else called her a hero, but reflecting on the experience later, she shared, “I don’t see myself as a hero. I just see it as being the hands and feet of Jesus. That’s why I do what I do.”

Maybe you’re not a nurse on a flight. Maybe your gift looks more like cooking, listening, or driving someone around. You were created with something this world needs. Do not underestimate those gifts God has given you. He may not call you to save a life at 30,000 feet—but He may use you for something only you were made to do.

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