EMBRACING THE CALL
Y O U A N D T I T U S 2 N E W S L E T T E R
June 2022
God's Code For You
Vol. 17
Isaiah 64:8 ESV
8 But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.
The question “What makes you unique?” has become a popular interview question you might encounter if you were to apply for a new job. It is abstract enough to provide an assortment of feedback for the interviewer, including communication skills, quick thinking, and self-value. I don’t imagine he or she would anticipate a scientific explanation of your DNA code. However, God has actually predesigned a great deal of your uniqueness as you were being knitted together in your mother’s womb, “For you (God) formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb” (Psalm 139:13, ESV).
The study of DNA is truly fascinating! Friedrich Miescher first discovered its existence in 1869. In 1950, James Watson and Francis Crick identified its coded double helix structure. DNA is a “code” revealed in a fine, spiral coiled “thread” in the nucleus of every living cell. Even in the last few years, researchers have learned that the non-coded DNA strands are also crucial to the uniqueness of an individual. These coded threads are packed into each cell of our bodies. We have truly been uniquely knitted together.
The Author of life is also the Author and finisher of our faith. Hebrews 12:1-2 reminds us that our uniqueness is for a purpose. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Our new lives in Christ have been authored with great love and sacrifice. We have all we need for the race marked out for us uniquely.
Only you can run the race that is set before you! So, to answer the question “What makes you unique?” consider one more 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). As a Christian woman, you are His workmanship created in Jesus to accomplish His plan! There is a code for your life revealed in His Word. Your biological DNA is truly a miraculous thing, but Christ gives it purpose. Let’s live like it!
Learning About The Gift of Your Uniqueness
The following Scripture passages and discussion questions can provide a conversation starter about God’s unique design and plan for our lives.
Psalm 139:13, ESV
For you (God) formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb.
Isaiah 64:8 ESV
8 But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.
Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Ephesians 2:10 ESV
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
1 Corinthians 12:17-20 ESV (Concerning the Church)
17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? 18 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. 19 If all were a single member, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.
Jeremiah 29:11 ESV
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Romans 8:28 ESV
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
+ Our individual DNA was not hidden from God. He is not surprised by anything about us (Psalm 139:13, Isaiah 64:8). How does this help us when we pray?
+ God has given us the gift of our uniqueness so that we are suited for individual races He has prepared for His people. Hebrews 12:1-2 reminds us of the cloud of witnesses who lived with a purpose before us (Hebrews 11 provides a “Hall of Faith”). Who in your life has been a witness of God’s workmanship through their unique life experiences? How does their faith encourage your own?
+ To live for God’s glory is not optional for growing Christians. If we make our own plans, we miss the opportunity to experience God’s very best. In 1 Corinthians 12:17-20, we can see the temptation to run someone else's race as part of the church body rather than the one set out for us. How would this hurt a church? How are you an instrument for God’s glory in your church? ​
+ Our new life as a Christian is not being created with the old you! It is being created in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:10). He has designed you and placed you into this moment in time to accomplish the good works He has prepared for you. Why is it important to know God has prepared the good works He has planned for our lives in Christ (Ephesians 2:10)?
+ Compare Jeremiah 29:11 with Romans 8:28. How could you use these verses to help another woman appreciate her uniqueness as a child of God?