Before the World Began

II Timothy 1:9
"[God] hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began . . ."

Gazing at the beauty in the world around me, I'm always amazed at the greatness of God. Who can count the stars? Who can measure the vastness of the sky? Who can find the end of the rainbow? Certainly creation reveals the greatness of the One who formed it all. Yet before that great Creator ever said, "Let there be light," He was thinking about you. He knew you, He knew your need and He planned your future before the world began!

Before He formed the mountains, God knew you and I would need a Savior, so He purposed to send us Jesus. Before He sprinkled the stars across the heavens, He knew we would need a Comforter and a Guide, so He determined to give us the Holy Spirit. Before He filled the oceans with life, He knew we would need direction, so He designed a way to provide us with His written Word.

What an incredible realization that before the beginning of time, you and I were in His heart and He set His plan with us in mind! When you feel lonely and insignificant, let the wonder of these words ring softly in your heart . . . He knew me! He knew me-even before the world began!

Lord, I can't begin to comprehend how a God mighty enough to speak an entire universe into existence could care about each lowly individual, but Your Word tells me that You do. Let me never lose sight of how much you care for me.

By Ann Shorb
©Copyright Ann Shorb, 2006

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Related articles and devotionals:
The Hope of Heaven
He's Building a Place for You
Keep Your Fork

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