“For whom He FOREKNEW (proginōskō: to have knowledge beforehand), He also predestined to be CONFORMED (summorphos: having the same form) TO THE IMAGE OF HIS SON, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.” (Rom. 8:29) So, How did God foreknow us? David declared this in the Psalms, “You watched me AS I WAS BEING FORMED in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me BEFORE I was born. EVERY DAY OF MY LIFE was RECORDED in your book. EVERY MOMENT was laid out before a single day had passed.” (Psa. 139:15-16)
Our life is our own WILL, we are not predestined but, if we make the choice to live as a Christian, the only way we can be successful is to be CONFORMED to the image of Christ, so in that sense we are predestined. “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also FREELY GIVE US ALL THINGS?” (Rom. 8:31-32)
What do we do when we don’t even know what to ask for? Do you ever feel like you’re going in circles and not making any progress? At least not the kind of progress you were expecting. That’s when we pray, “Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow.” (Psa. 25:4) Wouldn’t it be awesome to wake up every morning and be assured you’re on THE RIGHT PATH towards your goals? To know with certainty that you’re headed in the right direction? To feel confident with each step, without constantly questioning yourself? “LEAD ME by your truth and TEACH ME, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I PUT MY HOPE IN YOU.” (Psa. 25:5)
These verses reveal David’s humble, teachable heart. He wanted to be guided by God and led by His truth. David knew God was his Savior and placed all his hope in the One who created the right path for him. “The LORD is good and does what is right; He shows the proper path to those who go astray. He leads the humble in doing right, TEACHING THEM HIS WAY.” (Psa. 25:8-9)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham