You are Chosen
Lord, we come to your feet today with so much gratitude. God, you are the creator of the universe we live in and you CHOSE US. Not because you need us, but because you want us. Lord, I pray you would use this devotional and this space today to touch your daughters uniquely and personally. Would you use these words to follow to show us more of who you are and whose we are. Amen.
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. 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. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.
John 15:12-17
I just want to park here for a second. We are called HIS FRIEND. He is a God that calls us His friend and lets us in on His vision. Not a God of selfish desire, or of self-seeking fulfillment, but a God that allows us to be CHOSEN and His witness. Let's just process that for one second before moving on.
Today we are talking about what it means that the God of the universe chose us to be His. For me, the gravity of being chosen hits most deeply as I get older and find myself surrounded with more and more intentional friendships. To be chosen means that we are seen for who we are, loved where we are, and challenged to be the best version of ourselves. I see this in my marriage and deepest adult friendships. We meet our people where they are, do not require performance in exchange for love, and fight to understand and know them better consistently. We choose to work at the relationships that are important to us. This is what Christ did for us before the world even knew our name. This is what Christ does for ALL of His people and He does it perfectly. As people limited to a much closer-knit circle of intentional “chosen” relationships, it’s hard to even wrap our minds around a God that has the omnipresence to meet this deep desire of our hearts for every single one of us. This deep desire He placed in our hearts.
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. - 1 Peter 2:9
Just as it is true that He has chosen us, it is true that He intercedes (Romans 8:31-34) for us. Living life with Him and to know Him is a fight, just as He fought and fights for us. We must choose daily to surrender the desires of our flesh to understand the greater picture of His Kingdom. For He can give us far greater gifts than any we can desire on our own.
God removes all stereotypes of who is "special" and "successful" in choosing us. He chose us, not because we performed or earned it, but because He sees each of us as a light in His Kingdom. Our walk with Him is undoubtedly a fight, but we are promised to be not just a member, but a PILLAR (Revelation 3:12) in the temple of God by choosing to follow Him in obedience.
“...those with Him are called and chosen and faithful.” Revelation 17:14 The calling on your life is because of Jesus. God did not give us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and self-control.
This morning, I want us to take a moment to remember our faith. Remember the empowerment we have received in being CHOSEN by Christ himself. Remember the importance of a heart posture of gratitude and FAN YOUR FLAME, girlfriend. Fan it. When we seek Him, we find Him. When we trust Him, He shows up. Let's thank Him today and seek to understand His grand picture.
- Britt Goff
A few songs we can listen to this week in hope, healing and seeking:
Be Still My Soul by United Pursuit
Lay your weary head to rest
Be still my soul
Let His love rush in
I can feel You coming
Lord, I open up my heart
I can feel You coming
You change my perspective
Nothing stays the same
I open up my heart
Put your hope in God
Lord, I open up my heart
Your love changes everything
Only You can tell me who I am
Your love changes everything
Raise a Hallelujah by Bethel Worship
I raise a hallelujah, in the presence of my enemies
I raise a hallelujah, louder than the unbelief
I raise a hallelujah, my weapon is a melody
I raise a hallelujah, heaven comes to fight for me
Louder and louder, you're gonna hear my praises roar
Up from the ashes, hope will arise
Death is defeated, the King is alive!
Also in Wheatful Woman Blog
A Woman to Admire & Inspire: Deborah
A Woman To Admire & Inspire: RAHAB
