The Call

Romans 8:28-30 (New International Version)
New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society

More Than Conquerors
28 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. 29 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. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.


Reading these verses today, familiar though they are, my heart leapt with wonder as I read them once more. The Amplified version of the Bible reveals even more in verse 28, for it says that God is a partner in our labour, and that "all things work together and are fitting into a plan for good to those who love God and are called according to his design and purpose."

To meditate on the fact that each one of us is called, and for a specific purpose, is exciting. This may be why Pastor Rick Warren's book, "The Purpose Driven Life," inspired and encouraged so many. This purpose is one for which God actually designed us, placing in us the exact gifts and potential, sensitivities and enthusiasms we would need to fulfil it. He allowed our circumstances to strengthen and pull those giftings out of us, and then (and this is so amazing and wonderful), he became a co-labourer with us, partnering with us through our life purpose as we lay all that we are on the altar, for his use.

He calls us; through his death he justifies us and then begins the process of being transformed and conformed into the image of Jesus. As Jesus is more radiantly visible in us, we are "glorified." The Amplified Bible calls this, "being raised to a heavenly dignity and condition (state of being)."

Prayer: Dear Lord; being yours, living a life in partnership with you, listening for God's voice and obeying the promptings of your Spirit is more exciting than anything else. I praise and worship you and thank you for the perfection of your ways and purposes.

Colossians 1:25-27 (New International Version)
New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society

25 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— 26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

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