“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10).

Harriet Powers (1837-1910), “the Mother of African American Quilting. “One of the earliest documented African American quilt makers was Harriet Powers. Powers exhibited her quilts at local fairs, and Harriet considered them to be art. Her subject matter was the Bible and reflected the first form of English literacy amongst African American slaves. Powers could not read nor write, but like other slaves, she was taught the stories of the Bible. In order to pass this information on and honor her new found faith, she quilted them.” -likeawhisper.wordpress.com

God used the artistic ability and strong perseverance of one young woman to spread His Word through quilts. Each piece connects to tell the story of His unconditional love and redemption for humanity. As born-again believers, we are the workmanship of God. He is the Mastercraftsman, shaping the circumstances and events in our lives. We’re living “quilts” that tell of His unfailing love, amazing grace, and long-suffering! “But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.” (Isaiah 64:8).

Are there times in your life when you look back and wonder” Am I walking in the will of God and giving all that I can for His glory-did disobedience or indecision cause me to miss out on His blessings?” I am not sure about you, but those aha moments send me to my knees in prayer to seek His direction, purpose, and will even more. 

Thankfully, God lovingly assures all His beloved children that our steps are orchestrated by His divine will…even when we may not understand, and reason that our present course of action appears illogical, Psalm 37:23 states, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.”

What a wonderful sense of peace floods our souls to know that every piece of our “quilt” is lovingly sewn together by the hands of God. And we don’t know what the finished product will look like, but we do know that He already has the ultimate plan for our lives. “Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.” (Psalm 139:16). 

My friends,  we belong to God; He has made us into a new creation-works of art created by the Mastercraftsmen- every single piece of our living “quilt”- (joy, pain, trials, and victories) tells a story, and one day we will stand perfected in His presence. 

So, rest in the knowledge that we can trust in the faithfulness and omnipotence of our risen Savior! “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2).

God will never cease to provide, protect, comfort, and keep His beloved children in perfect peace.  Remember that every step, twist, and turn in this life is preparing us for something greater! 

“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9).

Blessings and peace to all. Give God the glory for His great mercy!