Chosen

The children gather on the playground for a rousing game of kickball. Team captains are selected and the group of players stands in anticipation of being picked for a team. As the selection progresses and the players move to stand by their captain the anxiety rises with each pick. Who will be the last? Will the captains fight over who has to “take” the last man standing? Perhaps it’s the heavy boy or the girl who’s a little klutzy.  Will that child be shamed and embarrassed by being the unwanted player?

Maybe you were that child. Maybe you were never actually the last one picked in such a public way. Maybe you just feel like you never measure up. Like you have nothing to contribute. Maybe you think you have been passed over because you never really figured out how to have what it takes.

Be encouraged today, my friend. You have indeed been chosen. You are wanted and have a place and a purpose. Be brave enough to step forward and stand by your Captain. He will lead you to victory.

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.”  –      John 15:16 (ESV)

“Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, ” – Ephesians 1:4-5 (ESV)