humility and empowerment

i chanced upon a friend's blog a while ago and this verse greeted me:

"For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast." --Ephesians 2:8-9 (NASB)

he was recalling a specific talk in an event two years ago (the post was also written at that time), and it made me realize how i should really learn to be grateful everyday for what i have and who i am and what i can and can't do. many times, there is a tendency to try to take matters into my own hands (which is not wholly a bad thing) and getting carried away in the process. i forget that, in my 22 years of life, not once has doing so incredibly altered my life or that of others for good. if i have ever done anything worthwhile in my time, it is only because of Him who willed it, He who gave me both the opportunity and the ability to carry it out, however undeserving i am.

the past months, i have been largely preoccupied with career issues and chasing down my dreams of glory and immortality. not really for money or fame or admiration--no, not anymore. i just wanted to accomplish something in this lifetime, you know? to have been of some good use during my time on earth. this longing has consumed me, but not in an entirely positive manner. i feel that, at times, i have been oblivious to the people and things and events around me, those that truly matter although might not necessarily be directly instrumental in achieving the big dreams and plans i have for saving the world. i fret too much and fear that, when i pass away, i would have done no one any good. but now i realize that i have been worrying ceaselessly about things that are beyond my control. i must not demand nor expect that my frail body, my vacuous mind, and my flawed heart will change the world. i can only hope and try my best to do what good i can, bearing in mind that whatever little or plenty is accomplished is done so with His grace.

"Before I made you in your mother's womb, I chose you. Before you were born, I set you apart for a special work." --Jeremiah 1:5

the first verse will serve to ground in humility, the second to empower.