The Heart Behind God's Plan

"Having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will." - Ephesians 1:5 (NKJV)

All of us have experienced some form of rejection at one time or another. Perhaps you were the child who wasn't as athletic, and as the teams were being chosen, you watched one by one as each child was picked, until there were three to go, then two, and finally, you were the last one chosen. Both captains are looking at you, thinking, "We don't want him/her on our team." That sting of rejection hurts, doesn't it?

Some have faced even more painful rejection from family members, in relationships, from schools that wouldn't accept them, or jobs they desperately wanted. The question is, how do you handle that rejection?

I think about G. Campbell Morgan, a preacher whom many have looked up to and studied for years. But did you know he was initially rejected as a pastor? When he went for his ministry licensure, he had to preach a trial sermon to an empty auditorium in front of just the council. He didn't do well, and they rejected him. He sent a wire to his father that said just one word: "Rejected."

His father sent back another wire: "Rejected on earth, accepted in heaven."

We need to think about this phrase whenever we feel rejected by others. When we give our lives to Jesus Christ, and receive His gift of salvation, God says to us, "Accepted in Heaven."

Why did God save us? The New Living Translation of verse 5 puts it this way: "This is what He wanted to do, and it gave Him great pleasure." God provided His plan of salvation for two simple reasons: because He wanted to, and because it brought Him great joy.

No matter what rejection you've faced, God has created a plan through the blood of Jesus Christ by which you can be accepted in heaven. Not rejected, but accepted.

Reflection Question: How does it change your view of yourself to know that including you in God's family brought Him great pleasure?

Dear Heavenly Father, it amazes me to think that my salvation brings You joy and pleasure. Help me to understand that my worth doesn't come from what I do, but from what You've chosen to do for me. When I feel unworthy or question my value, remind me that You wanted me in Your family and that it gave You great pleasure to make a way for me. In Jesus' Name, amen.

Adapted from "God's Eternal Plan" (Ephesians 1:4-6): https://www.joshfranklin.org/media/zqvqn4g/3-god-s-eternal-plan-eph-1-4-6