Just as (in his love) he chose us in Christ (actually selected us for himself as his own) before the foundation of the world, so that we would be holy (that is consecrated, set apart for him, purpose driven) and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined and lovingly planned for us to be adopted to himself as (his own) children through Jesus Christ, in accordance with the kind intention and good pleasure of his will. (Ephesians 1:4-5)
I have been chosen by God to fulfill a purpose in this world that is beyond my ability. The reason I can tell you this with certainty is because for twenty-four years of my life I was addicted to drugs. I attempted numerous times on my own to be free from addiction to no avail. I was unhappy, miserable, and without hope. I entered many times into rehabs only to get out and wind up in the same situation with the same problem. I came to Mary’s Song for the first time in 2014 in which I stayed ten months. I went home and did okay for a while only to fall once again. I came back to Mary’s Song and completed one year in the program. I went home and after some time yet again had fallen back into old habits. My thoughts at that point were this is absolutely hopeless. I must be special and not getting something here. I prayed to the Lord what am I missing God? Please help me! This last and final time I came back to Mary’s Song I prayed Lord I don’t care what this looks like, how long I have to stay here, or who I may lose in the process as pretty much everyone had given up on me. I need you to change me I can’t live like this anymore. During a class we were having one day I was delivered from a spirit of rebellion. At some point in my childhood I had vowed never to trust anyone because in my eyes they had all failed me. Taking on that spirit. Then sitting in worship one morning I had a vision of a key I saw the Lord take that key and unlock my heart. When that happened, I felt a flood of emotions rush out of me. I felt like that little girl and then I sensed the Lord wrap His arms around me and He healed my heart. Since that day it has not been a struggle to be sober because I don’t have that desire anymore. The Lord took it away from me for good. I now have the honor of working here at Mary Song and partnering with the Holy Spirit in unlocking hearts.
A word from John Piper: God’s purpose in the salvation of his people is invincible— it cannot fail— because it is not based on our choosing God but on God’s choosing us. “He (God) chose us before the foundation of the world.” Your salvation did not begin with your choice to believe in Christ. Your salvation began before the creation of the universe when God planned the history of redemption, ordained the death and resurrection of his Son. And chose you to be his own through Christ. This is a great objective ground for assurance. And we should consider it deeply.