Sunday, December 24, 2006

Called and Chosen Early


God, who had set me apart, even from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace. Galatians 1:15 NASB

A lot is said today about womb experiences. Much affects the small infant nestled in that place of safety. Not only what the mother takes into her body, but also her emotions, feelings, and thoughts. Her stresses and joys are felt by her yet-to-be born child as much as they will be when she holds him in her arms. Finding out some of the circumstances that surrounded my own conception and womb experience did much to explain certain feelings I had about myself. This morning, God is allowing me to realize His own involvement in my womb experience.

It is from Isaiah that I learn He formed me in my mother’s womb and called me by name! (Isaiah 49:1) How precious to think that God called me ’Pam’ before anyone else did! Even before my parents knew of my existence, God was shaping me, speaking to me, and watching me. In a sense, it was just the two of us!

It is from Paul that I learn God set me apart and called me while I was in my mother’s womb. (Galatians 1:15) Just like he had a call on the lives of Moses, David, Jonah, Esther, Daniel, and Paul, He has a call on my life. He spoke those words over me before I was even born! I have yet to fully understand all He has purposed for my life, but He is teaching me to open my eyes, ears, mind, and heart to what He has already said.

It is also from Paul that the picture of God’s early involvement with me is broadened. For in Ephesians 1:4 I read that He chose me before the foundation of the world. That means not only was I called before I was born, I was chosen before creation! My mind struggles to fully grasp that thought!

As I take in these truths this morning I am filled with a sense of God’s choice and design for my life. And now at the age of 48, I am basking in the fact that He is still just as involved with me. He is still molding me, speaking to me, calling me, choosing me, and watching me. He is still attentive to my every need. What a Shepherd! What a Father! What a Guide! What a Friend!

Father, the realization of You creating, calling, and choosing me has filled me with joy and awe this morning! How can I ever again feel like a nobody? You have once again nurtured my soul! Amen.