11/1/26

Week 1: The Promise (Days 1–7)

Day 1

Chosen to Become Like Him

Biblical Focus: The Purpose of God

Romans 8:29 (NLT)

For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

Why did God save you? Most of us would answer: to forgive my sins and take me to heaven. That is true, but it is not the whole truth. Paul says God chose His people for a purpose: to become like His Son.

Forgiveness is the doorway. Christlikeness is the house. God did not rescue you merely to change your destination. He rescued you to change you. Heaven is not a reward for people who stay the same. It is home for people who are being remade into the image of the One who lives there.

This reframes everything. Your trials are not random. Your waiting is not wasted. Your season of silence was not God’s absence. Romans 8:28, the verse just before, promises that God works all things together for good. Verse 29 tells us what that “good” is: conformity to Christ. God’s highest good for you is not your comfort. It is your likeness to Jesus.

Here is the hard question. If God’s goal for your life is that you become like Christ, is that also your goal? Or have you been asking God to help you with your goals: a smoother life, a fixed relationship, a better job? He cares about all of those. But He will not trade His purpose for your preferences. He loves you too much for that.

This month begins with a decision. Will you want what God wants for you? Not just His blessing, but His image?

The Practice of Transformation

Write down, honestly, the three things you have asked God for most this year. Beside each one, ask: “Would getting this make me more like Jesus?” Then write one sentence giving God permission to use whatever He must to form Christ in you.

✦ Reflection ✦

If someone studied your prayers for the last month, what would they conclude you want most from God?

Prayer: Father, You chose me to become like Your Son. Make Your goal my goal. Use anything You must. Amen.

He did not save you to leave you as you are.

Help Choose Our 2027 Devotional

As this year of Wrapped in His Presence comes to a close, we're praying about where the Lord is leading us next, and I'd love your help deciding. There are three possible journeys for 2027:

•   Refined: The Refiner's Fire (Malachi 3:2–3)

•   Abiding Fruit: From Presence to Overflow (Galatians 5:22–23)

•   Wounded to Carry: The Ministry of Comfort (2 Corinthians 1:4)

Please pray over them, then vote here for the one that stirs your spirit.

(If you have already voted, please disregard)