God was there before there was a “me.”

How many times have you been in a discussion or a class and asked what you favorite Bible verse is?  There are many responses and many good verses – some of my favorites are:

Joshua 24:15b, “. . . choose this day whom you will serve, .. . But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Psalm 8:4a, “what is man that you are mindful of him . . .“

Matthew 28:20b, “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

John 15:5 (my confirmation verse), “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” (They knew me then.)

There are others. Each fits a different situation and each is a great verse, but recently I have been reflecting on Gen 1.1, “In the beginning God . . .”.

What a great way to begin.  Most will know this verse continues “created”.  Indeed before we even knew we needed salvation God sent his son for those who were lost.  So again in a different beginning, that is the beginning of my redemption, God was there first.

I take comfort that in every situation, before there is a ‘me’, there is God.  I have had my share of making a hash of things.  But before I took a step, God is there.

Sometimes He helped me do the right thing, sometimes He watched and shook His head as I made a mess of things, and sometimes He tried to teach me how I might do better the next time.  Sometimes He was there supporting me as I expressed my regret, sorrow or commitment.  But always He is there.

I like to think I am something special, and I am, because He chooses to make me special.  But in the beginning there was/is/will be God.

That is what is really special – “In the beginning God . . .”

Copyright Gerald Givens

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Gerald Givens is a retired USAF Lieutenant Colonel (1969-1991) and contract satellite engineer/program manager (1991-2011). He was born on 16 March 1945, and blessed to be baptized in April 1945, and married to his lovely wife, Karen, on 23 December 1967. He has served HCLC as Lay Minister and member of the Board of Directors. For many years he served with Karen and a third grade and kindergarten Sunday School teacher.  Recently he has led numerous Financial Peace University classes and co-chaired with Karen the Holy Cross Momentum emphasis,”SOAR” which was intended to bring Biblically based financial management training to the broader Holy Cross community.