It’s no fun thing to feel left out. Often, it can be downright hurtful. As a child, I was less than athletic. I was the last one chosen for dodge ball, kickball, or red rover. Nobody wants a pudgy little girl who can’t run fast.
My mind drifts back to those early years, as I peruse the apples in the produce section. I hand select just the perfect one: no spots; a deep, rich, burgundy color; and oh, so bright and shiny. I roll it around in my hand, and there I see it: all the bruised and battered spots. I leave the less-than apple and select a perfect one, with no signs of broken skin. I wonder “If apples had feelings, how does the mushy, bruised Gala feel right now?”
Probably like I felt as a child. Left out. Unwanted. Less than.
It amazes me that all these decades later, I still feel the pain of rejection. I think that each of us, in the deepest part of our souls, long to be wanted and known.
Even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes. Ephesians 1:4 NLT
But God.
In His wisdom and sovereignty, He chose me. Not because of my clear, bright skin or my athletic ability, either. He chose me BEFORE the foundation of the world. Before I was formed in my mama’s womb, He knew me. I was hand selected by Him.
Chosen.
The Lord knows me intimately. And He chose me anyway! Why? First and foremost, because of His great love for me (and you, too!). Isaiah sheds more light on this for us. He tells us we are chosen to know God (Is 43:10).
We’re selected for a relationship with God through Jesus Christ our Savior. And it isn’t because of how we look, what we’ve done, or how we’ve turned out as adults. God chose us before He created the earth or any of us humans. In addition, His purpose is for us to be holy and without fault in His eyes. This can only be done through the blood of Jesus. In our humanness, we’ll never be holy enough.
Chosen.
How does that make me feel? Well, I can tell you this: NOT like that little elementary school girl who was embarrassed and ashamed that no one wanted her! And not like that apple that was left behind because of its bruises. I’m chosen in Christ, so I choose to hold my head high! Not because of pride, but simply because I’m wanted and loved – unconditionally!
“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt so you would no longer be their slaves. I broke the yoke of slavery from your neck so you can walk with your heads held high.” Leviticus 26:13 NLT
Chosen.
To know God. To have a relationship with Him through Jesus. To be obedient.
How does being chosen by God change your outlook?
Grace be with you,
