John the Baptizer recognized this truth. 

“This was the one of whom I said, ‘The one coming after me ranks ahead of me, because he existed before me,’” (John 1:15).

When it comes to God and you, he always takes the initiative. All promptings are his. Everything we do is response or reaction. We respond in faith and obedience, or we react with denial and disobedience. 

John writes in 1 John 4:19, “We love because he first loved us.” In the chess match of life, God always makes the first move. Not to spoil anything, but the final move is his as well. 

Before all things, before anything, Jesus knew you. He knew you would come. He knew your time and place. He knew your name. He knew all of your sinful reactions. He knew all of your faithful responses. He knew what you needed and when you would need it. He knew you would sin naturally and intentionally. He knew he would pay the price to forgive your sins and to welcome you into his family. 

Not only did Jesus know all about you, he also had a mission for you. He had, has, a role for you to play in making his kingdom come and his will done on earth as it is in heaven. He has made you to be the positive alternative to a dark and tasteless world. 

What do you need to know about today and the days to come? Ask the One who has always known the right thing to do and empowers everyone, including you, who responds in faith and obedience. This is how to live a better life. This is how to build a better world.