God predestined us to be his adopted children through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1, 5).

Predestination is linked to election.

While election is more about the past,

what has happened,

what we already know (we are God's chosen ones),

predestination is about the future,

what God has ordained for our lives.

The word translated "predestine" in the Word of God comes from the Greek word "proorizo",

meaning "to determine beforehand",

"to order",

"to decide in advance".

Like election,

predestination is not easy to understand.

To predestine means to fix one's destiny in advance.

We,

God's elect,

are predestined to become children of God.

Predestination emphasizes that God has chosen us for something.

God has a plan for the life of each of his children.

He has planned everything in advance.

I don't have to worry.

God is in control of my future.

And his plans for my life are very good plans.

Much better than I can imagine.

Missing out on God's plan for my life doesn't mean that God will abandon me or that I'll lose my salvation,

but I may miss out on God's great blessings.

- Prayer:

Before you pray,

write down everything you'd like to do - short and long term - on a piece of paper.

Place everything in God's hands.

Ask him to show you if your plans are also HIS plans.

Read Psalm 139.

What does this Psalm teach you about God's relationship with you and His future plans for you?

- personal reflection:

Examine your heart.

Does all your happiness depend on the success of your plans?

Remember that God may have another plan for your life.

Do you trust God with your future?

Do worries keep you awake at night and unable to work during the day?

Will you be ready to abandon one of your plans if God shows you another way?

- towards others:

If you're not sure what God's will is for you,

ask a brother or sister in Christ for advice.

Also,

seek help for those who have to make important decisions about their future.