Romans 8:28-30, NIV: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
Who we are and what we are doing are no surprise to God. He is never caught unawares. He had advance knowledge of our love for Him. He extended us an invitation for an appointment with Him pertaining to His proposed intention for us to be jointly formed, fashioned like unto, or made similar to Jesus. He placed Jesus in first place among many made in the heart of God. He rendered us innocent, esteemed us honorable, gave us dignity, filled us with His glory, and magnified us.
Are we able to validate our witness, our testimony, as Jesus did? He said, "...I am not alone, but I am with the Father who sent Me. And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him" (John 8:16,29, NKJV).
When we do what is pleasing in our Father's sight, we, too, can say with confidence, "I am never alone." How can we be so confident that we are never alone? How would our Father know that what we are saying and doing is pleasing if He were not present with us, observing our words and deeds? Because we know He is present, observing all, we can truly testify that we are His and He is ours. This validates our witness that we are never alone. We are walking and talking at our ever-present Father's bidding.
Father, I am persuaded that You are always present with me, and I know that You are not just idly standing by, doing nothing. I believe that You are orchestrating all things together for my good. You know I love You because You observe everything I do and say. I thank You for predetermining that I would be conformed to the image and likeness of Jesus. I don't know if I would have thought to do that on my own. I am blessed that He was made in Your heart and carried in the womb of Your chosen human vessel. You did not make a mistake in that selection; therefore, I will not question what You have decided concerning me. Help me to simply cooperate with You because it's true that You, my Father, do know best.
Who we are and what we are doing are no surprise to God. He is never caught unawares. He had advance knowledge of our love for Him. He extended us an invitation for an appointment with Him pertaining to His proposed intention for us to be jointly formed, fashioned like unto, or made similar to Jesus. He placed Jesus in first place among many made in the heart of God. He rendered us innocent, esteemed us honorable, gave us dignity, filled us with His glory, and magnified us.
Are we able to validate our witness, our testimony, as Jesus did? He said, "...I am not alone, but I am with the Father who sent Me. And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him" (John 8:16,29, NKJV).
When we do what is pleasing in our Father's sight, we, too, can say with confidence, "I am never alone." How can we be so confident that we are never alone? How would our Father know that what we are saying and doing is pleasing if He were not present with us, observing our words and deeds? Because we know He is present, observing all, we can truly testify that we are His and He is ours. This validates our witness that we are never alone. We are walking and talking at our ever-present Father's bidding.
Father, I am persuaded that You are always present with me, and I know that You are not just idly standing by, doing nothing. I believe that You are orchestrating all things together for my good. You know I love You because You observe everything I do and say. I thank You for predetermining that I would be conformed to the image and likeness of Jesus. I don't know if I would have thought to do that on my own. I am blessed that He was made in Your heart and carried in the womb of Your chosen human vessel. You did not make a mistake in that selection; therefore, I will not question what You have decided concerning me. Help me to simply cooperate with You because it's true that You, my Father, do know best.
