God Chose Me

When it comes to sports and other athletic activities, I might as well be the fat kid at little league.  I am weak, unskilled and uncoordinated.  I can’t throw, kick or catch, unless you count the number of times I’ve successfully stopped the ball with my face.  Is it any wonder, then, when a group from our church gets together to play games, I am one of the last people chosen?  It doesn’t hurt my feelings.  I can’t blame them.  In fact, if I were them, I wouldn’t choose me at all.  They might be better off having one less player than having me on their team.  And frankly, I’d rather watch anyway.  It’s safer that way. . . for everyone!

This morning, as I was doing my devotions, I was reminded of a beautiful truth–God picked me for His team.  He didn’t choose me for my beauty, skill or talent.  He didn’t pick me because of what I had to offer.  He chose me out of love.  Yes, He saw my potential, but He also saw the many times I would fail Him.  He saw the times I would misuse my time, talents and money.  He knew I was far from perfect and that, no matter how hard I tried, I would never reach perfection this side of Heaven.  Yet, despite all of that, He still offered me a position on His team.

There are so many others who are more qualified, at least in my mind, but it was me that God placed in this position.  He gave me a job to do and everything I need to complete that job.  He gives me daily grace and strength to serve Him to the best of my ability.  He offers encouragement from His Word, and when I do fall short of His expectations for me, He doesn’t kick me off the team or place me on the bench.  No, He picks me up, dusts me off and whispers in my ear, “It’s okay, child, but be more careful next time.  Come on, let’s do this together.”

Interestingly enough, after spending some time on God’s team, I am no longer content to sit on the sidelines.  I want to play.  I long to serve.  I desire to make Him proud of me by doing the very things He’s called me to do.  Sure, He could ask someone else to do the work, but He chose me.  And you know what?  It feels good to be chosen!

Are you tired of sitting on the sidelines? Are you willing to be chosen?   God is inviting you to join the team and to know the joy of serving Him.  What do you say?

Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. – John 15:16