DEVOTION – DAY 364

Ephesians 1:11 “Chosen And Predestined”

Ephesians 1:11 “In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His Will.”

In God’s mighty plans, Jesus Christ is always at the center. Jesus Christ is at the center of the entire Universe and He is also at the center of every believer. It is only when believers have a relationship with Jesus Christ is there a meaningful future. In eternity past, God already knew who would respond in faith to believe in His Son, Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior – in this way, they have been predestined. The wonderful blessings for believers found in Eph.1:11 are: 1) they have been chosen by God, 2) predestined, 3) God has a plan for every believer, and 4) that plan is to fulfill God’s Will and mighty purposes.

Ni Tousheng was born in Nov 4, 1903. He was baptized as an infant since his parents were Methodists. His parents sent him to Mission schools where he benefited from a Western type education. However, he questioned his own faith in Jesus Christ and it was on 28th April 1920 that he had a personal encounter with the Lord Jesus. Whilst questioning his own belief in Jesus Christ, he was suddenly struck by the depth of his own sinful nature. He fully understood his need for the Lord’s atoning work on the cross on his behalf. He was overwhelmed by a wave of gratitude and peace, for what Jesus Christ had done for Him by dying on the cross on his behalf.

Ni Tousheng enrolled in a seminary when he was 17 years old. He started church meetings in Fuzhou in 1922 which was the start of local churches in China. Over the next 30 years, he founded churches all over China. He became a well-known Bible teacher. He wrote a number of Christian books. In 1952, the authorities placed restrictions on Christian work. Ni Tousheng was sent to prison. He remained in prison for the next 20 years until he died. Throughout his time in prison, he had one wish, to be released to spend his last days with his wife. His wife was allowed to visit him occasionally but she died one year before him. When Ni Tousheng died, he left a piece of paper under his pillow. It was given to his grandniece who went to prison to collect his ashes. On the paper, he wrote out the gospel message and confessed his belief that Jesus died for his sins and that Jesus rose again on the third day. His grandniece testified that God had a better plan for Ni Tousheng. He was reunited in heaven with his beloved wife and they are now spending eternity with the Lord. His life’s work is over and it was in accordance to God’s perfect plan for him.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, thank you for your presence in our lives. Thank you for your Word, your grace and mercy. Please help us to follow your plans for us to give you the glory. We pray in the gracious name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Questions

  1. When and how and why did you put your faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Share.
  2. How has your life been changed as a result of being a Christian?
  3. Why is it important for Christians to follow God’s plan and will for them?
  4. What changes must you make to enable you to conform to God’s plans for you?