You Were Chosen First
Ephesians 1:4-5 (TLB) Long ago, even before he made the world, God chose us to be his very own through what Christ would do for us; he decided then to make us holy in his eyes, without a single fault—we who stand before him covered with his love. His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own family by sending Jesus Christ to die for us. And he did this because he wanted to!
Do you remember being in school and having gym class and the teacher picks 2 captains for a game and the captains are responsible for choosing their team? They pick the best players first and toward the end, the remaining, less athletic ones must be chosen. If you were picked near the end, it could be crushing to your self-esteem as an adolescent. The enemy instantly fills your mind with doubt, fear, and insecurity. If you make a mistake during the game the enemy would just confirm that you aren't good enough to participate. Many times these thoughts don't end when the game is over. They continue on through your day and you can begin feeling like a failure at everything, even at the things you are great at. If this was ever you, I have some good news - the devil is a liar! Just because you don't excel in one area does not mean that you are bad at everything. God created you with a divine plan in mind. He was thinking about how you would change the lives of those around you before you were ever born and it's not by your strength but His!
Thank God for grace! He chose you even before He created the earth! He has adopted you into His family and calls you His own. He knows your natural abilities and the gifts that He has instilled within you. Have you tapped into those gifts? He did not make a mistake - He chose you first - He has never regretted having you as a child. He knew every mistake that would be made and still loves you the same. Why, you ask? Because He wanted to! If you have ever received a gift for no reason, this is a similar feeling but much greater. You ask the giver what the blessing was for, and it was purely out of love. This kind of love is the Father's love. It has no ulterior motives, no selfish desires and no hidden agenda. Take a moment to pray and ask God to show you your next steps. Repent for believing the lies of the enemy and move forward with ALL He has in store for your life. He is ready, are you?
1 Peter 1:3-4 (NLV) Let us thank the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It was through His loving-kindness that we were born again to a new life and have a hope that never dies. This hope is ours because Jesus was raised from the dead. We will receive the great things that we have been promised. They are being kept safe in heaven for us. They are pure and will not pass away. They will never be lost.
