‘I have chosen you and ordained you, that you should go and bring forth fruit.’ John 15:16 KJV
The word ‘ordained’ comes from the word ordered. God ordered and designed you specifically. He chose your life’s direction. He preserved you when you thought you wouldn’t make it. He pushed you when you thought you had run out of steam. ‘The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall for the Lord holds them by the hand.’ (Psalm 37:23–24 NLT)
He wants you to win. ‘No weapon turned against you will succeed… These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the Lord.’ (Isaiah 54:17 NLT) That means the attacks being directed against you won’t succeed! But being chosen by God doesn’t mean you can just go and do your own thing. Paul says, ‘Should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of His wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it?’ (Romans 6:1–2 NLT) When you’re chosen and appointed you have assurance of your position in Christ, even when your condition isn’t up to par. It’s also why God permits tests and temptations. He knows what it takes to keep you dependent on Him, and help you develop a strong root system. The first thing God told man was ‘be fruitful’ (see Genesis 1:28). He wants you to be productive and successful in every aspect of your life. Jesus said, ‘It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom [to enjoy the advantages of Kingdom living].’ (Luke 12:32 AMPC) Once that concept gets down into your spirit, it will change your life!
SoulFood: Gal 5:22, Is 61, Heb 12:2, Is 35:3–10
The Word for Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from UCB International Copyright 2024
