I am wanted.

Last Friday, for maybe the first time, I realized that I am wanted. I had just seen a woman use her hands, and her whole body, really, to translate Genesis 1's recounting of God creating the world. It was probably one of the most beautiful things I've ever watched. 

When she finished with, "And God saw that it was very good," a brother shared with the room his own creation-story. He shared how God created their family through adoption, five times over. He shared about his delight in these children, and now, in his grandchildren. He showed us a picture of his beautifully diverse collection of adoring, and adored, grandchildren. Then he reminded us of how we've been adopted by God.

Do you know what the mathematical odds are that you would be born? It's some ridiculous number (What are the odds your parents would meet? What are the odds that they would become romantically involved? What are the odds that you, of all other possibilities, would be conceived? What are the odds that you'd even make it to full term and live here on earth?), which he nicely summed up with, "The odds are infinity to one."

But, do you know what "the one" is? Or, rather, Who it is?

You need to read Ephesians 1. Right now. Go do it! 'Cause it's that good. Look:

"Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God." (v. 1)

"...He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him." (v.4)

"In love He predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His will..." (v. 5)

"In Him we have redemption...forgiveness...according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished on us in all wisdom and insight, making known to us the mystery of His will, according to His purpose, which He set forth in Christ, as a plan for the fullness of time..." (v 7-10)

"...having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will..." (v. 11)

It is no mistake that you exist (Read Psalm 139 for a refresher on how God intimately weaves each of us together in our mother's womb). It's no mistake if you have any inclination toward Christ . That only happens when God wakes you up to reality and brings you to life a second time (Read Ephesians 2 for a refresher on how we were born into this world dead in sin, but God's rich mercy reached down and made us alive in Christ). He doesn't do anything on accident. Ephesians 1 alone is enough proof of that. By His will, according to the purpose of His will, chose us, predestined, adoption. He didn't accidentally wind up with us. He wanted us.

He wanted us, so He created us. He wanted us as sons and daughters, but we were born dead, so He made a way for us to come to life. He sent Jesus to rescue us. He made us alive in Christ. And He has plans for us as His kids. "For we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

Last Friday, for maybe the first time, I realized that I am wanted. And it's changing things, 'cause when you realize someone wants you and brought you here on purpose, you realize you have a purpose, and you want to live for that purpose.