Ever felt like you were a mistake? Perhaps you were a surprise to your parents? These things happen along with many other scenarios that sometimes can make us feel as if we were mistake or even worse, not wanted.

Truth is that while you may have been a surprise to your parents, God knew all about you before you were conceived. Even better, He promised to bring good things out of those circumstances. (Romans 8:28)

In Romans 8:29-30 we are introduced to five terms that describe why and how God can bring good out of the good, bad and ugly circumstances of life. (Please understand the word “good” is defined by the “goodness” of God. This does not always include what we think might be good for us. We need to lean on God, not our own understanding about what might or might not be good. Ask yourself the question, how does this measure up against what God’s desires are for my life. Do not forget what Solomon wrote for us in Proverbs 3:5 and Proverbs 14:12; and Proverbs 16:25.)

The first of these five terms is found in verse 29. There we read that God “foreknew” us. The action attached to these five words took place prior to creation or prior to the beginning of time.

He knew you. In addition, there is also an underlying sense that God not only knew you but understands you. He knows all about you. He knows your strengths and your weaknesses. He knows how circumstances effect you. He knows when you are angry, frustrated, disappointed, and even offended. He created you and knows every single detail of who you are.

He loves you. He sent His One and only Son, Jesus, to die for you (John 3:16) and to be resurrected for you. (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) God also has a wonderful plan for your life. (Jeremiah 29:11)

One final thought regarding this topic is that God is crazy about you, He sings over you, He has your name written (engraved or tattooed) on the palm of His hand and He will not forget you. (Zephaniah 3:17; Psalm 147:11; Isaiah 49:16)

The promise of Romans 8:28 is that no matter what happens or no matter what the source is of these things, God is more than able to bring about good. Sometimes the good is immediate, sometimes the good is delayed. Sometimes we find there is both an immediate and a long-term good that God brings about through the circumstances of our life.

Do not ever forget that God knew you “when.” And when you confess Him as your Savior, He will not allow anything to separate you from His love. And that is good!

Always in Pursuit!

Don