Galatians 1:15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me,
Ephesians 1:5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,
Ephesians 1:9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ
Isaiah 49:1 Listen to me, O coastlands, and give attention, you peoples from afar. The LORD called me from the womb, from the body of my mother he named my name.
Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
Isaiah 49:5 And now the LORD says, he who formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him; and that Israel might be gathered to him— for I am honored in the eyes of the LORD, and my God has become my strength
1 Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain.
2 Timothy 1:9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began
Paul wanted to show that his calling depended on the secret election of God, and that he was ordained an apostle, not because he had fitted himself for undertaking such an office by his own industry or because God had discerned that he was worthy of having it bestowed on him, but because, before he was born, he had been set apart by the secret purpose of God.” (Calvin)
God wants to do more than reveal Jesus to us; He wants to reveal Jesus in us. The revealing of Jesus to us is the place where eternal decisions of great consequence are made. Being set apart for the purpose of God’s will requires a surrender of self-will and a seeking, desiring, and wanting to do God’s will. Too often we interject our will, purpose, plans, and wants over God’s will, purpose, and plans. This is easy to identify. When our heart is more set on things of this world than wholly living in perfect purpose and desire to solely honor and glorify Jesus Christ in all we say, think, and do, it is safe to say we give more thought to self and this world than Him. Our life is a journey with many distractions that can tempt us to take our eyes off of God’s plans and purposes. It is a matter of the heart. Fill it continually with God’s Word, seek to honor and glorify Him in every moment as you grow more and more in your understanding and knowledge and love of Him.
You have been set apart for Him and His plans and purposes.