God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity he restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in him. After God made that decision of what his children should be like, he followed it up by calling people by name. After he called them by name, he set them on a solid basis with himself. And then, after getting them established, he stayed with them to the end, gloriously completing what he had begun. Romans 8:29-30 The Message

We look everywhere to find out who we are and what we’re living for. It can become and endless journey where you hope the real you is just around the corner. That easily turns into miles and years. God knows how confused we really are on the inside. He took all of that into consideration. He’s not waiting for you to exert enough effort or achieve a certain life to be rewarded with His grace and truth. Your life, the real you is found in Christ. God’s design is perfect, no flaws, no faults, or fractures. Everything regarding your life is in this Son. When you look at Him, you become aware just how messed up you are inside and out. All those starts and restarts? Jesus has covered all those areas and more.

It’s incredible, unimaginable really, that your life and others with all those differences, sins included, have to share a “strong family likeness to Jesus” (OC). When the love of Christ reaches into all those places inside of you, you can’t believe that God wants you so much. You may even think there are so many more deserving than you. And you would be correct if God’s measure was based on your moral skeleton. Why you? You’ll have to ask God. What is certain is the Lord finishing what He’s started in you. The Holy Spirit’s work comes with His nail-scarred guarantee. What’s going to make a difference in your life today? It only takes a moment… 

It’s in Christ that we find our who we are and what we are living for. Ephesians 1:11 The Message