Life Cycle

Why are we here and where did we come from? Are we merely the product of our parents’ decision, or perhaps an accident, unplanned and unwanted?

Many people believe that the universe happened by chance, a massive explosion that flung stars into space from which we somehow evolved. Was that it? Are we here only by some quirk of accumulated circumstances?

If we’re to have some purpose or direction in our lives, we really need to know who we are and where we came from. We need a foundation on which to build. Something secure, so that we can move forward with confidence, with some idea of where we’re going. God is not a God of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33), but the One who planned everything from the beginning, and will carry it through to its fulfilment (Ephesians 3:11).

The truth is we were all chosen by God even before the creation of the world, destined to be His sons and daughters through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:4-5). Long before we were born God knew us. ‘Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be’ (Psalm 139:16). We were born out of love - God’s love, which He wants to share with us all.

It’s difficult to receive love without responding to it. Love demands a response, especially God’s love. It’s through receiving and responding that our relationship with Him is made complete. A bond is formed through the Holy Spirit and we become one in spirit with Him.

Because of the fall, we are born into sin, and, as such, prevented from fully entering into the Kingdom of God. This is why the blood of Jesus is so important. He took all our sins upon Himself and put them to death, giving the gift of eternal life to all who believe (Romans 6 23). ‘In Him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that He lavished on us.’(Ephesians 1:7).

God has plans for our lives as we seek to live for Him. ‘Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’ (Jeremiah 29:11). And, as we lean on Him, we discover another gift. ‘I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace’ (John 16:33).

So, we have Love, Grace, Mercy, Redemption and Peace as a foundation on which to build. We have direction by the Spirit who leads us in truth (John 14:17). Our loving Father is with us in all things and through all situations, and has promised us eternal life. This relationship has no end. Jesus said, “I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” (John 14:3). And so it continues …

Prayer: It’s reassuring, Lord, to know that You have always known me and that Your love for me is the foundation of an everlasting relationship. Please forgive me for doubts I’ve felt in the past and my uncertainty of Your love. Help me to rest in the assurance of Your presence and to know that I’m safe under Your protection and guidance. In Jesus’ name. Amen.