One of the more difficult concepts for me to understand and comprehend, yet is what makes me hold to faith even stronger during challenging times, is that God chose me to be in his kingdom before I chose him.  To know that I matter, that I count, that somebody wants me brings joy to my heart and peace to my mind.  For so many, including myself, it is important to be and feel like we are a part of something bigger than ourselves.

The feeling of being alone in this world is scary and depressing.  With all of our abilities to make this world a smaller place through media, communication and the internet, there are still friends, acquaintances and family members that go through daily life disconnected from everyone- feeling all alone.  Somehow, some way, these people are to be introduced to Jesus and to know that they are a part of something bigger than them, more powerful than they can imagine and more perfect than they can dream.

"To God's elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout..., who have been chosen according to the foreknowldege of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood: Grace and Peace be yours in abundance."

Being a part of the chosen family God has perks- grace and peace.  And not just some, or a little, but an abundance of it.  What does that mean though-grace and peace?  Grace is a reflection of God's love for us in that we receive more than we deserve.  God, through his Grace, gives us all that we require and then some, no matter what type of situations or challenges that we may be facing.  God is enough.  And peace is a state of unlimited balance and harmony.

To be chosen by God to live with his favor, with his strength going before us and with harmony and tranquility- all overflowing and more than we can comprehend- is what belonging to the Lord brings about.  Praise him today for his grace and peace in abundance in our lives.