Before The World Was Made

I was reading Ephesians this week. I’ve read that New Testament book more times than I can remember. It’s one of my favorites. I’ve often said that regular reading of God’s Word is like deep sea diving; because with each plunge into His Word, you never know what treasure you might discover in its depths.

It was a simple thing that captured my attention. On this occasion I was reading from the King James Version. Chapter 1:4 tells us that God chose us “before the foundation of the world.” I searched further and came to Matthew 25:34. Jesus is talking here and He tells His listeners to, “come you who are blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” I was going deeper in my dive and next read from the Old Testament book of Jeremiah 1:5, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.”

Excitement was growing! If anyone ever asked me, when does life begin, I would answer — at conception. Now my answer is different. Life has already begun for each of us — in the heart of God. He knew my name and He knew your name; He had a plan and purpose for my life and He had a plan and purpose for your life before the foundation of the world! Imagine that! You were created by His very thought in His own loving heart. Conception brought about your life from His heart into the womb. From the womb your life, already with purpose, came from His heart to conception, to the womb, and then into this earth’s atmosphere, to walk out His plans which were designed before the foundation of the world!

Along with that plan, He gives a gift — free choice. We can take our life, formed in His heart, and choose to walk in His ways or we can take our life and choose our own ways. Be very careful with your gift of free will. The following verses are helpful in making that decision:

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Proverbs 14:12

“They delight in the law of the Lord meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper (in peace, joy, and hope) in all they do.” Psalm 1:2-3 (Words in parenthesis are mine.)

When you come to a crossroads of understanding, I hope you choose Jesus and His ways. He loves you so much and has an amazing plan for your life. After all, you were in His Father’s heart of love — before the world was made.