Chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood. (1 Peter 1:2)
It would be my wife’s best birthday ever. I made plans for a week in Chicago, eating the world’s best pizza, visiting the country’s best improv comedy club, snacking on the world’s best popcorn, and taking pictures from the country’s highest skyscraper. I paid the price to make it happen. Airfare, a 4-star hotel on the Magnificent Mile, and money for food and attractions.
The day before her birthday, we visited Wrigley Field. Moments later, my wife was hit by a car while crossing the street. We spent the day in the hospital. Her birthday was an emotional mess as I rolled her in a wheelchair across the city. I learned that I could make great plans and pay a high price, but I didn’t have the power to determine the outcome.
Not so with God. When He makes plans and pays the price, nothing can stand in His way. The Father planned our salvation, the Son paid the price, and the Spirit guarantees the outcome. Thanks be to God!
