Embracing Your God-Given Purpose and Overcoming Excuses

Summary

Each person is uniquely crafted by God as His masterpiece, created with intention and purpose. God has given every individual specific gifts and talents, not by accident, but as part of His plan for us to do good in the world. These gifts are diverse—some are called to serve, others to teach, encourage, give, lead, or show kindness. All are needed, and none are insignificant. The challenge is to recognize and embrace these gifts, rather than dismissing them or comparing ourselves to others.

Too often, we fall into the trap of making excuses—what I call traveling down the “Yabit Trail.” We say, “Yeah, but I’m not as talented,” or “Yeah, but I’ve messed up too much.” These excuses are often rooted in fear: fear of failure, embarrassment, or not measuring up. But God’s Word reminds us not to be afraid. Excuses can become tyrants, keeping us from stepping into the fullness of God’s plan for our lives. When we let excuses rule, we risk missing out on the very things God created us to do.

God’s plan for each of us is good, pleasing, and perfect. He has prepared good works in advance for us to walk in. Our purpose always extends beyond ourselves, reaching into the lives of others. When we use our gifts, even in small ways, we make a difference. Sometimes, it’s a simple act of kindness or a word of encouragement that God uses to change a life. We are not called to do everything, but we are called to do something with what God has entrusted to us.

To move forward, we must identify and confront our excuses. Listen to your “becauses”—the reasons you give for not stepping out. Write them down, ask where they come from, and recognize them for what they are: often just excuses, not real reasons. Consider what you lose if you keep excusing yourself—missed opportunities, lost influence, and the regret of not living out God’s best. Share your struggles with trusted friends; community helps us see ourselves more clearly and encourages us to take the next right step.

Ultimately, the invitation is to see ourselves as God sees us, to step into the good works He has prepared, and to stop letting excuses hold us back. God’s power is at work in us, enabling us to live out our calling for the sake of the world and those around us.

Key Takeaways

- You Are God’s Masterpiece, Created for a Purpose
Each person is intentionally designed by God, not as an accident, but as a unique masterpiece with a specific purpose. God’s creative work in us means we are meant to be a means to an end—our lives are to reflect His love and goodness in the world. Embracing this truth helps us move beyond self-doubt and into the calling God has for us. [33:31]

- Excuses Are Often Rooted in Fear and Can Rob Us of God’s Best
Many of the reasons we give for not using our gifts or stepping out in faith are actually fear-based. Whether it’s fear of failure, embarrassment, or past wounds, these excuses can become tyrants that keep us from experiencing God’s plan. Recognizing the true source of our excuses is the first step toward freedom and obedience. [43:09]

- God’s Gifts Are Diverse and All Are Needed in the Body of Christ
The gifts God gives—serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leading, showing kindness—are all vital. No gift is insignificant, and comparison only leads to discouragement. When each person uses their God-given abilities, the whole body is strengthened and God’s purposes are fulfilled in the community. [35:41]

- Identifying and Challenging Our Excuses Leads to Growth and Freedom
By listening to our “becauses,” writing them down, and asking where they come from, we expose excuses for what they are. This process helps us see how excuses have shaped our decisions and what we might be missing out on. When we confront these patterns, we open ourselves to God’s truth and the freedom to step into His calling. [56:41]

- Community and Accountability Help Us Step Into Our Calling
Sharing our struggles and excuses with trusted friends or small groups brings light to the areas where we’re stuck. Others can encourage us, challenge our thinking, and help us see ourselves as God does. This kind of honest community is essential for moving past excuses and living out the good works God has prepared for us. [01:03:56]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[33:31] - You Are God’s Masterpiece
[34:46] - Renewing Your Mind and Knowing God’s Will
[35:41] - The Diversity of Spiritual Gifts
[36:17] - Comparing Gifts and the Danger of Excuses
[38:18] - Every Gift Matters in the Body
[41:00] - Two Kinds of People: Excuses or Difference-Makers
[41:56] - Excuses vs. Making a Difference
[43:09] - The Power and Source of Excuses
[45:15] - Missing Out on God’s Plan
[46:18] - A Story of Life Change
[48:34] - Created Anew in Christ
[49:38] - Living with Peace and Purpose
[50:56] - God’s To-Do List for You
[52:20] - Excuses as Subtle Disobedience
[53:35] - Practical Steps to Overcome Excuses
[56:41] - Counting the Cost of Excuses
[01:02:29] - Stewardship of Body and Resources
[01:03:56] - The Power of Community and Accountability
[01:10:23] - Closing Prayer and Challenge
[01:11:46] - Blessing and Dismissal

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

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### Bible Reading

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.

Romans 12:1-8 (ESV)
> I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Ephesians 2:10, what does it mean to be God’s “workmanship” or “masterpiece”? What does the verse say is the purpose for which we are created? [33:31]
2. In Romans 12:4-8, what are some of the different gifts Paul lists, and how does he describe the way we should use them? [35:41]
3. The sermon mentions that excuses often sound like “Yeah, but…” or “because…” statements. What are some examples of these excuses given in the message? [43:09]
4. What does the pastor say is often at the root of our excuses, and how does this connect to the repeated biblical command, “Do not be afraid”? [43:09]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says, “You are God’s masterpiece, created for a purpose.” How might believing this truth change the way someone views their own abilities and worth? [48:34]
2. The message talks about the “Yabit Trail”—making excuses like “Yeah, but I’m not as talented” or “Yeah, but I’ve messed up too much.” Why do people tend to compare their gifts to others, and what does this do to the body of Christ? [36:17]
3. The pastor suggests that excuses are often rooted in fear—fear of failure, embarrassment, or not measuring up. How does fear keep people from stepping into the good works God has prepared for them? [43:09]
4. The sermon encourages us to “listen to your becauses,” write them down, and ask where they come from. Why is it important to identify the real source of our excuses? What might happen if we don’t? [53:35]

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### Application Questions

1. The pastor challenged everyone to see themselves as God sees them—a masterpiece with a purpose. What is one area of your life where you struggle to believe this? How might your life look different if you truly embraced this truth? [48:34]
2. Think about a specific gift, talent, or ability God has given you. Are you using it to serve others? If not, what is one “because” or excuse that holds you back? [35:41]
3. The message says that excuses can rob us of God’s best and keep us from making a difference. Can you identify a time when an excuse kept you from doing something good or meaningful? What did you miss out on? [45:15]
4. The pastor encouraged everyone to write down their “becauses” and ask where they come from. Take a moment to do this now—what is one excuse you often use, and what do you think is at the root of it? [53:35]
5. The sermon highlights the importance of community and accountability. Who is someone you trust that you could share your struggles or excuses with? How could inviting them into your journey help you move forward? [01:03:56]
6. The message ended with a prayer: “Heavenly Father, I want to see me the way you see me so I can be who you created me to be for the sake of the world and the people around me.” What is one practical step you can take this week to live out this prayer? [01:10:23]
7. The pastor mentioned that sometimes our next right step might be something simple, like forgiving someone, serving in a new way, or even signing up for something at church. What is one small step you sense God might be asking you to take? What’s stopping you? [52:20]

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Close in prayer, asking God to help each person see themselves as He does, to step into the good works He has prepared, and to let go of excuses.

Devotional

Day 1: You Are God’s Masterpiece, Created for a Purpose
You are not an accident; God intentionally created you as His masterpiece, uniquely designed with a purpose and a plan in mind. No matter your past or your feelings of inadequacy, you are crafted by God to reflect His creativity and love, and He has prepared good works for you to walk in. Embracing this truth means letting go of excuses and stepping into the life God has designed for you, trusting that your value and calling come from Him alone. [33:31]

Ephesians 2:10 (NLT):
"For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have doubted your worth or purpose? How might believing you are God’s masterpiece change the way you approach that area today?


Day 2: Worship God by Using Your Unique Gifts
God has given each believer specific spiritual gifts, talents, and abilities, not for comparison or competition, but to serve others and build up the body of Christ. Every gift, whether it seems big or small, is needed and valuable, and God calls you to use what He has given you faithfully and joyfully, trusting that He equips you for the good works He’s prepared. [35:41]

Romans 12:4-8 (NLT):
"Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly."

Reflection: What is one gift or talent God has given you that you have been hesitant to use? How can you take a step to use it in service to others this week?


Day 3: Excuses Hold Us Back from God’s Best
Excuses often disguise themselves as reasonable explanations, but they can keep you from experiencing the fullness of God’s plan for your life. Many times, these excuses are rooted in fear, insecurity, or past experiences, and if left unchallenged, they can cause you to miss out on the good things God has prepared for you and the impact you are meant to have on others. [45:15]

Luke 14:18-20 (ESV):
"But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them. Please have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’"

Reflection: What is one “because” or excuse you often use to avoid stepping into something God is calling you to do? What would it look like to confront and release that excuse today?


Day 4: The Power of God Sets Us Free from Excuses
You are not a prisoner of your past or your excuses; the same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, enabling you to overcome fear, insecurity, and self-imposed limitations. When you recognize and admit your excuses, God’s truth can set you free to become all He created you to be, empowering you to live with courage and purpose. [56:41]

Romans 8:11 (NLT):
"The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you."

Reflection: Where do you feel stuck or limited by your past or by excuses? How can you invite the Holy Spirit’s power to help you move forward in faith today?


Day 5: See Yourself as God Sees You and Take the Next Step
Transformation begins when you ask God to help you see yourself through His eyes—loved, chosen, and equipped for a purpose. As you quiet your heart before Him, listen for the Holy Spirit’s prompting about your next right step, whether it’s forgiving someone, serving, giving, or simply believing the truth about who you are in Christ. [01:10:23]

Psalm 139:13-16 (ESV):
"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them."

Reflection: Take a few quiet moments to pray, “God, help me see myself the way You see me.” What is one next step the Holy Spirit is prompting you to take in response?

Quotes

God has gifted you and I to make a difference, or we can make excuses about why we can't do something maybe as well as somebody else. The question is, what kind of person do you want to be? You want to spend your life making excuses? Or spend your life making a difference in the lives of people around you? [00:42:35] (24 seconds)  #MakeADifferenceNotExcuses Edit Clip

The reality is that most of our excuses are fear -based. That's why 365 times in the Bible, it's referred, don't be afraid, don't be afraid, don't be one for every day of the, in fact, I think there's 366, one for leap year too, but you go through and count that, Jen will probably do that, right? Just go through and find out how many times does God say, don't be afraid, don't fear, fear not, I'm with you. [00:44:15] (27 seconds)  #FearHasNoHold Edit Clip

If God does have a plan, we don't want to miss it. It's the very best plan he has, because that's why he made us each a masterpiece. Now, if we are God's masterpiece, and he has something specific for you to do while you're here, that's why you're here. And if you miss out on that, that's too high of a price to pay. That's what you were made for. [00:45:49] (29 seconds)  #PurposeInGodsPlan Edit Clip

Let me tell you the truth about you from this verse in Ephesians 2, verse 10. God created you. God created you. When Paul says we are God's masterpiece, anything that God created, he created with a purpose. Anything that is created is a means to an end, not just to exist. You have been created by God on purpose for a purpose. You are no accident. [00:47:44] (38 seconds)  #CreatedOnPurpose Edit Clip

As a Christian, our purpose always goes beyond ourselves and into the world. We are created to live and to love like Jesus did. To live in such a way that people, even people who are far from God, who would look at and see how we live and say, there must be something. [00:49:26] (20 seconds)  #LiveLoveLikeJesus Edit Clip

Excuses can simply be a subtle way for us to tell God, no. I mean, we wouldn't say, if God said to you, I want you to do this, would you say, no, I'm not, God, I'm not going to, most of us wouldn't say that, but we'll make excuses when God says to do something. [00:52:25] (22 seconds)  #ExcusesAreSilentNos Edit Clip

You don't want to get to the end of your life and be filled with regret. You know what regret is. I should have, I could have, but I didn't. I should have, I could have, but I didn't. God, I wish I could go back and make that right. Don't spend your time there. That's just a, yeah, but trail. [01:03:40] (20 seconds)  #NoRegretsOnlyAction Edit Clip

One thing is for sure if we don't identify our excuses you'll excuse your life away i think the older i get the more that kind of rings true so any of you that are up in that 60 plus age or you look back and you just go oh man that was not very smart for me to do that that was that was not a good decision too hot too high of a price to pay if god has created us with a perfect plan we just need to deal with these excuses [01:05:37] (42 seconds)  #IdentifyToOvercome Edit Clip