Ephesians Summer Devotional | Day 1
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Monday – Chosen with Purpose
Written by Sarah McClellan (Lithopolis Campus)
Ephesians 1:1–4
Key Verse: “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.” (v. 4)
Do you remember middle school gym class? The teacher would line up the class, pick two team captains, and say, “pick your teams for kickball!” Some of you have fond memories, some feel “meh,” and others just broke into a cold sweat and want to hide in the bathroom. Regardless of where you land, what’s true is that those team captains had all the power. They could make you feel amazing or squash any sliver of confidence (because middle school wasn’t special enough!). They sized up each and every kid down that line and made decisions based solely on strength, agility, popularity, and past performances. You had to earn the top sports – this wasn’t a charity event. They were out for blood.
Before the foundation of the world was laid, God saw you. He CHOSE you. This truth, tucked into the opening lines of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, carries staggering weight. It means that your value doesn’t begin with your performance, your appearance, or your success. It begins with God’s eternal decision to set His love on you. His desire for you wasn’t impulsive or reluctant. It was purposeful and personal.
God’s choosing comes with a calling: to be “holy and blameless in His sight.” That might sound intimidating at first – how could we ever meet such a standard? But this call is not a demand for perfection in your own strength; it’s a transformation that happens in Him. As you walk with Christ, He molds you into His image, making you more holy, more whole. Today, rest in the fact that, unlike the middle school version of yourself, you were chosen and loved before time began.
Reflection Questions:
- How have past experiences shaped the way you view your worth or identity today?
- What does it mean to you personally that God chose you before the foundation of the world?
- In what areas of your life do you feel God is inviting you to grow in holiness (not through striving)?
Prayer Prompt:
“God, thank You for choosing me, blessing me, and calling me Your child—help me live secure in Your love today.