SEPTEMBER 7, Ephesians 1:4-5

Sally is intelligent, hardworking and is well-liked by teachers and classmates. Her father is a successful businessman and they live in a large house. They travel to exotic places for holidays. Everyone in the family is nice, kind and always ready to help those in need. They always volunteer at orphanages and old folks’ homes, spending time with the less privileged and bringing them food. Sometimes, they give money to those who need it. Sally is a non-Christian, so are her parents. Unlike Sally, Jan is opposite. She has to work doubly hard to achieve good grades as she is a slow-learner. Father and mother are hawkers at the Clementi Food Centre and she helps them out at times. Home is a small flat and they work hard to make ends meet. There is another, and supremely important difference between Jan’s family and Sally’s. Jan and her parents are faithful Christians.

Because Jan and parents are Christians, God has richly blessed them with spiritual blessings. Such blessings come to them as Christians and not to all men and women. Why? Why not Sally or her parents? Since you are a Christian, you may have asked yourself, “Why me?” Every believer has asked this question some time or other. Many of us have family members and friends who are not yet in Christ – meaning not yet Christians. We know we are no better than they are. We may not be more intelligent or kind or deserving. They may have qualities in their characters which could shame us, like Sally and family willingly helping the disadvantaged. How is it, then, that we have come to possess the spiritual blessings while many others live and die without ever knowing such things?

The answer is clear - GOD CHOSE US. The reason lies in God, and not in us. What a wonderful truth! God never does anything last minute. God’s salvation plan is no last-minute affair. It was decided before the foundation of the world. God chose us before the foundation of the world.

So, dear child, think it through. Before Adam fell, before the world was made, when there was nothing, God had kind and lovely thoughts upon you. God had decided to save you. God had chosen you. Wow, isn’t it marvelous? Aren’t you lost for words to thank God?

Thought: How wonderful to have been chosen by God!?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for showing me the truth that You have planned to save me even before the foundation of the world. What a privilege I have in Christ. Help me remember Your words and be always thankful to You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.