Identity and Purpose

Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

For a long time, I wrestled with who I was apart from what I did.

I was the pastor, the chaplain, the counselor, the leader—the one others came to when they were in crisis. I wore the titles well, but somewhere deep inside, I wondered: Who am I when I’m not helping someone else? When I’m not being productive?

The turning point came during a season of transition when I stepped away from a familiar role in ministry. I had poured my energy into serving inmates, training volunteers, and coordinating across counties—then suddenly, I wasn’t doing that anymore. I felt unanchored, even lost. The question of identity echoed loud: If I’m not doing that… what am I here for?

That’s when the truth of Ephesians 2:10 started to take root in a new way. My purpose isn’t tied to a title or a role. It’s tied to who I am in Christ—his “handiwork,” created on purpose, with purpose, for good works that he already had in mind.

God had been shaping me long before I ever stepped into leadership. Through childhood wounds, through walking with my mom in her recovery journey, through infertility and fatherhood, through joy and disappointment—he was forming something beautiful.

Now, I see purpose in more places. In writing these devotionals. In fathering my kids with intentionality. In coaching others toward healing. In simply being a person who listens well.

You are not your job. You are not your résumé. You are not even your ministry role. You are God’s workmanship—already enough in him, already designed to do good in ways only you can.

Ask Yourself:

1. What roles or titles have you confused with your true identity?

2. Where in your life right now do you sense God inviting you to live with deeper purpose?

3. How might your past experiences shape the “good works” God has prepared for you?

   
   

Prayer: Father, thank you that I am your workmanship—not by accident, but by design. Remind me daily that I don’t have to earn purpose; I only need to walk in it. Show me the good works you’ve prepared for me, and help me live from who I truly am in you. Amen.