Life tends to give us daily reminders of rejection—unanswered calls, ignored messages, empty chairs at the table. Even in church, we may quietly wonder, "Do I really belong? Does God truly love me?" In a world that values popularity and performance, being chosen feels like something you have to earn. And many of us feel as if we're falling short.

But the Gospel flips that thinking upside down. Long before you were born—before you took your first breath—God already knew you. More than that, He chose you. Not because of who you are or what you might become, but because of who He is: a God full of grace and mercy.

This is the comforting doctrine of Election, or Predestination. It's not a confusing puzzle, but a Gospel jewel meant to bring peace to your heart. Paul writes, "Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world . . . having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself." (Ephesians 1:4–5) God's love didn't start when you walked into church. It began in eternity.

At its heart, Election means that God, in His grace, decided to save you in Christ. He didn't choose you because of anything good you had done or would do. He didn't look ahead to see who would choose Him. Quite the opposite—He chose us precisely because, on our own, we never would have chosen Him.

That's what makes Election so comforting. God saw us in our helplessness and determined to rescue us through His Son. This wasn't a last-minute decision. It was part of His loving plan all along.

Sadly, some twist this truth into something scary. They think if God chooses some, He must choose others to be lost. But the Bible never says that. To the contrary, God "desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth." (1 Timothy 2:4) Those who are lost are lost by their own rejection of God's grace. Those who are saved are saved by grace alone.

Others fear this doctrine might lead to spiritual laziness: "If I'm chosen, why bother?" But faith doesn't speak this way. True faith responds, "Thank You, Lord!" Election doesn't lead us to apathy—it leads us to assurance. It becomes an anchor for the weary heart.

When your sins trouble you, when doubts creep in, when you feel unworthy—and we all are—Election says, "Yes, God wants someone like you." Your salvation doesn't depend on your emotions or effort. It rests on the solid, eternal will of God in Christ.

That's why this doctrine isn't just for theologians. It's for every believer who's ever wondered, "Am I really saved?" Election says, "Look to Jesus." He is the Lamb of God from the foundation of the world. He took your guilt. He bore your punishment. If you trust in Him, that's the evidence that God has already made you His own.

The comfort of Election comes not from trying to guess God's hidden will, but from holding tight to His clear Word: "He gave His only begotten son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

So, when you feel overlooked or unworthy, remember this: before the first star lit the sky, God had already set His love on you. Your name was written in the Book of Life—not because of anything you've done, but because of everything Christ has done for you.

You are chosen.

You are loved.

You are His.

"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" (2 Corinthians 9:15)

Long before you were born—before you took your first breath—God already knew you. More than that, He chose you.

Robert Sauers is pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Winter Haven, Florida, and a member of the CLC Board of Missions.