God not only loves you very much but also has put his hand on you for something special.

1 Thessalonians 1:4 (MSG)

You were chosen. Before anything was ever created, God chose you. Not because you did things “right” or because you worked hard to prove yourself to Him. Not because you made good choices, were a good person, or because you deserved it. Not because of anything you did. He chose you before time began for His purposes and for His glory.

We live in a world that is all about striving, winning, succeeding, and fighting to be the best, to be chosen for schools, for sports, for music, and for jobs. So it’s hard for us to wrap our heads around God’s grace, or His infinite wisdom and purposeful planning, for that matter. It’s hard to stop striving and just accept that we are loved and chosen. D. L. Moody said it best when he wrote, “I’m glad the Lord chose me before I was born. I don’t think He would have chosen me after I’d done some living!” Amen and amen to that! 

The reason you were chosen is because God loves you. Period. Only His love can take countless people and make them brothers and sisters by adopting them into His very own family. Only His love can take your special set of circumstances, the good and the bad, and make it work for your good and His glory. And only His love can transform your old heart into a new creation that is perfectly shaped to love and serve and influence eternity. 

God created you, He loves you, and He has called you for something special. Ask Him to shape you and prepare you for your special service, then offer Him your willing heart. How will you know if it’s your special purpose? It’s where you will find JOY! You are loved!