In Ephesians 2:10, Paul tells us, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Think about that for a second. God made us, each one of us, for a purpose. He didn’t just toss us into the world and hope for the best. No, He’s got plans for us—plans that involve doing good works, showing His love, and making a difference in this world in ways we might not even expect.

Sometimes, when we think about doing good works, our minds jump to big, flashy things. Maybe it’s going on a mission trip or leading a ministry. And while those are absolutely great, the good works God has in mind aren’t always about big moments. Most of the time, they’re about the small, everyday opportunities to show kindness, love, and courage. They’re about seeing someone in need and stepping in, even when it’s not convenient. They’re about trusting that God knows what He’s doing, even when we don’t.

Last week, I got a reminder of this the hard way. My schedule was packed, my to-do list was already too long, and I thought I knew how my week was supposed to go. But then something came up. Some people in my community were being misled, and it became clear that God was nudging me to step in. I’ll be honest with you, I didn’t have time for it. I didn’t want the distraction, and I didn’t feel up to the task. But here’s the thing about faith: it’s about trust. Trusting that when God calls us to act, He’s going to provide what we need to follow through.

So, I put my plans on hold and dove in. It wasn’t easy. It meant having tough conversations, putting myself in uncomfortable situations, and sacrificing time I didn’t think I could spare. But you know what? God showed up. He gave me the words I needed, the strength I didn’t think I had, and the resources to make it work. And in the end, the truth came to light, and the situation was resolved. It reminded me that when we trust God and answer His call, He takes care of the rest.

Good works don’t always look like big, life-changing actions. Sometimes they’re as simple as handing a dollar to a single mom who’s short on money for diapers and milk. It’s giving a sandwich and a hug to a homeless person who’s been ignored all day. It’s picking up the phone and checking in on a friend who’s been unusually quiet because, for all you know, they might be feeling hopeless and need to know someone cares. These small gestures might seem insignificant in the grand scheme of things, but to the person on the receiving end, they can mean the world.

There are other times when good works call for courage. Maybe it’s standing up to something that’s not right—calling out deception in local government or taking a stand in a tough situation at work. These moments aren’t easy. They often come with pushback and sacrifice. But when we choose to do what’s right, even when it costs us, we’re living out the kind of faith that makes a real impact. We’re showing the world what it looks like to trust God and follow Him, no matter what.

The truth is, good works can take so many forms. It could be mentoring a young person who needs guidance. It could be opening your home to someone who needs a safe place to land. It could even be using your professional skills to help others—a teacher tutoring a struggling student, a doctor offering care to someone who can’t afford it, or a lawyer standing up for someone who doesn’t have a voice. God’s creativity is endless, and He loves to use us in ways that are unique to who we are and the gifts He’s given us.

The key is to be willing. To say yes when God calls, even if it feels inconvenient or scary. Faith isn’t just about believing in God; it’s about acting on that belief. It’s about trusting that if God is asking you to step out and do something, He’s going to walk with you every step of the way. And as you take those steps, you’ll find your faith growing deeper, your trust in Him getting stronger, and your life becoming more aligned with the purpose He created you for.

You might be thinking, “But what can I really do? I’m just one person, and the needs out there are so big.” Let me encourage you with this: God doesn’t ask us to do everything. He asks us to do the good works He’s prepared for us. It’s not about changing the world in one fell swoop; it’s about being faithful in the opportunities He gives us. A small act of kindness, done in love, can have a ripple effect far beyond what we’ll ever see. God doesn’t measure the size of our actions; He measures the heart behind them.

At the end of the day, these good works aren’t about earning God’s love or proving our worth. They’re a response to the incredible grace we’ve already received. As Paul reminds us earlier in Ephesians 2, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” Our salvation is a gift, freely given, and the good works we do are a way to say thank you to God and to share His love with others.

So, let’s keep our eyes open for the opportunities God places in front of us. Let’s be willing to set aside our plans, to embrace the interruptions, and to trust that God will equip us for whatever He’s asking us to do. Let’s remember that good works come in all shapes and sizes, and that every single one of them matters. And most of all, let’s walk in faith, knowing that as we do, we’re living out the purpose God has for us.