Then Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said, “Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen: The God of this people Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm He brought them out of it.” ~Acts 13;16-17
Chose. God chose those people. Paul is speaking to the men of Israel AND those who fear God. This is not just to those who are of the bloodline of Israel but every God-fearing and God-loving soul. From the beginning, in eternity past or ‘before the foundation of the world’, He had a plan and these people were part of that plan. He chose them and exalted them. Not by their doing or choosing. God chooses. He has chosen me. He has chosen you. Despite what I think or how I am treated, I am chosen. Life moves forward and my choices will either be in line with God or go against but He will ultimately have His way, so give in now.
People hurt people. With their words or lack thereof. Words and actions can be cutting and destructive or withholding attention and praise can be equally painful. So many of our choices are made out of fear. Fear of that pain. Fear of the unknowns. Fear of rejection. We all long to live a life without fear. Living our lives unto God, really turning all over to Him, gives us that life.
I am chosen. God not only has a plan for my future but I am living it right now. I think we forget that part. We are living God’s plan right now. Our lives, the ups and downs, are not a surprise to God. His plan doesn’t magically begin when we ‘figure it all out’, it’s now! We need this reminder.
“According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved.” ~Ephesians 1:4-6
*How do we turn all over to Him? Confess you are a sinner and need a Saviour, Jesus Christ. Ask Him to be the Lord of your life. Continue to confess, read His Word, the Bible, and pray…talk to Him, everyday. ~M
Nuggets of Gold 