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.

--Parallel verses:
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭139‬:‭13‬-‭16‬
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

I love to think of God as an artisan. He is very creative and innovative. Now, a master craftsman may make many good paintings, but typically only a few (or one) masterpiece, which might be displayed in an art gallery

God, on the other hand, only builds masterpieces in us. And we, his living masterpieces, grow and change as we age. This is critical to understand, as it is confidence in God that can ward off evil attacks. When I am feeling inadequate or worn out, or just attacked, knowing that God designed me as a masterpiece is HUGE!

It is also important to realize that God ordains and plans our good works in advance for us to do. This means he knows the trials or challenges we are in, and our condition - body, soul, heart, mind and spirit. He planned, based on how he designed us, for us to depend on him for our strength and to serve under stress or challenge to develop us.

So I can take comfort in knowing that the God of the universe is on my side and he planned good work for me to do ahead of time.

Lord, thank you for this truth, this promise, this encouragement! I know you always have my back! Praise you!