By Daniel Darling

Ephesians 1:3-6 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.

When I was a single man in college, I had a group of friends who thought it was their duty to invite me to meet their very eligible cousin. She played the piano and had a heart for ministry.

So I reluctantly agreed to go. In the morning, my buddy and I met the rest of the family at a restaurant. But as soon as we pulled into the parking lot, we met up with the other family members and learned, “She’s engaged.” So I spent the rest of the day with a family on their holiday not really sure why I was there. Ten years later we all laugh about it, but it was a bit awkward at the time.

You probably have similar stories of being at a gathering of people, a party, somewhere and not really feeling welcome.

But here’s what’s cool about being a part of God’s family. You’re welcome. In fact, the Bible uses a powerful word to describe how the Heavenly father feels about you being born again into His family. Chosen.

You’re chosen. God wanted you. You didn’t come to faith in Christ by accident. God not only sent Jesus Christ to pay for your salvation. He also sent the Holy Spirit to draw you to Himself. And then he chose you, for a special purpose, a special calling, so that you’re life would glorify Him. You’re not an accident. You’re not a statistic. You’re not a number.

So next time you feel left out, unaccepted, unloved, know this. God loves you and wants you to be in His family.