Joel M Bradshaw

3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 7In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.–Ephesians 1

Let’s walk through this pivotal theology, Christian.

1. God chose you for himself before Genesis 1:1 even happened.
2. He chose you for a purpose and for a relationship. Both centered in him.
3. His choice of you is according to his purpose and will and gives him praise and glory.
4. His choice resulted in your being redeemed from your sinful ways and forgiven. All because of Jesus.
5. God’s choice of you is a way for him to make his grace rich.
6. God’s choice united you to him.
7. This forms the basis of the most amazing self-talk of all time.

God chose you. He has a purpose and a plan for you. Before he said “let there be light” he decided to choose you out of your future darkness. You are so important to God. He loves you so very much. You are here on purpose and in Jesus have your purpose. Take that, depression.–JMB