Day 2: CHOSEN
Chosen Last
I was always the last one chosen when we divvied up for teams during recess.
“I guess we’ll have to have Cheri on our team…” didn’t do much for my self-confidence.
(Not that I blame them. Who wants someone whose athletic skills include catching a soccer ball with her glasses and breaking her thumb while doing the high jump?)
I got used to not being chosen.
I got used to being unwanted.
Un-Chosen
I also got used to being un-chosen by those who had once wanted me.
In junior high, my best friend turned on me overnight.
When a mutual friend asked her if she felt bad about losing our friendship, she declared
I’m not losing anything. I’m throwing it away, because that’s what you do with trash.
Shortly after, my boyfriend traded me in for a newer, more attractive model.
I was discarded.
Worthless.
Among the Chosen Few
At my first direct sales convention, I got what I’d always wanted: reserved seating.
A place card with my name on it awaited me at every single meal.
How I loved not wandering aimlessly, hoping someone would invite me to sit with them. Not sitting at an empty table, wishing someone would join me.
Finally, I had discovered the secret to belonging: when I worked hard enough, I could sit among the select.
So for years, I earned the right to belong.
I worked my heart out, making sure that I deserved to be chosen.
But then came the back injury. I qualified for the incentive trip, but just barely. And although Hawaii was beautiful, I received no elite invitations, found no place cards bearing my name, had no seats saved for me.
Once again, I didn’t deserve to be chosen.
Once again, I didn’t belong.
Chosen Once and For All
(Can’t view image? Click here to download John 15:16)
I don’t think God could state this more plainly.
And yet, how do we respond?
We work harder, trying to earn the “right” to belong.
We behave as if committing our lives to Christ is a qualifying competition, and we must prove worthy of team membership.
In an e-mail this morning, Valarie wrote
Sometimes I have found myself putting myself down for not doing enough for God.
Do you see what we’re doing? We’re trying to deserve to be chosen. We’re trying to deserve to become who God says we already are! (Click to Tweet this.)
Nothing to Prove
- You are wanted.
- You belong.
- You are chosen.
Now you choose:
Do you believe Him when He says you are chosen?
If so…
- …you can quit trying so hard!
- …you can quit being so hard on yourself!
- …you can quit being so hard on others!
You have nothing to prove.
Try this today:
When you start feeling like you’re standing on the sidelines, or like you’ve been trashed, or like you need to work your heart out, say out loud: “It is written, ‘I chose you.’ And I choose to believe what You say!”
Leave a comment!
- responding to today’s blog, and/or
- sharing your Day #1-2 experience of replacing “baditude” with God’s word and gratitude, and/or
- about anything else on your heart!
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amazing!!!
When you have felt unwanted throughout life it’s easy to find yourself working hard for God’s love – even though it’s already ours! I’m so used to feeling like I have to earn the love of others that I catch myself doing the same with God. As He heals my heart, He shows me I have His love already and it’s the best love there is!
Living — So, SO true! Working BECAUSE of God’s love is such an entirely different experience!
I have felt trashed recently – I have been released and it hurts. Thank you for reminding me that I have been chosen by my Heavenly Father. I need to remember that daily for a while, so I am grateful for the pretty jpeg that I can print out.
Heather — Bless your heart…it does hurt to be released. Christ understands…He, too, was “despised and rejected.”
(Glad you’re enjoying the verses my daughter is making for us! I’ll let her know!)
I wasnt chosen either in school….last one picked for any p.e. games…never picked at dances…and yes, my best friend ditched me too for others during my junior year. It was so traumatic for me that I checked out of life, school, everything…even to the point of making myself severely ill…this lasted for months and months. I was devestated…I WAS nothing. Then…. GOD reached out his hand and took hold of me in the form of my aunt and uncle who lived in another state. They felt prompted to have me come stay with them for the entire summer…they paid for my airfare….gave me a room…food…and lots of love and space to heal. My mom always thought I called them…I guess I kinda did when I cried out to the Lord for help. My aunt and uncle CHOSE me…and thru their obedient loving kindness I discovered that GOD chose me too!
Kat —
Beautiful testimony of how God intervenes and works through his servants! What a great reminder, too, to listen as the Holy Spirit prompts us to help others realize that they are chosen and loved.
Just want to thank you for these wise words today! Iwas hurt by someome I love … kinda like that not being chosse feeling but then I read todays post and knew that yes people will pass me by, hurt my feels and not choose my … we’re people … imperfect … BUT IT IS WRITTEN: I WAS CHOSEN and by someone far greater than any of the people on this earth! Thanks so much! And adorable necklace give away!!! What a great reminder to wear.
Our family — You’re welcome! Great reminder that people will hurt us, let us down, fail to choose us. Time for me to quit feeling so blindsided when it happens and focus on the One who never will!
Great post — saved by grace through faith!
Hetty — Amen!
Chosen! I love that! I never felt chosen. Instead, I felt invisible! In my mid 30’s as I was going through much needed counseling and learning how to fight depression successfully, I found what became my favorite verse: “I have called you by name, you are MINE, says the Lord”. I have claimed that as mine, putting my name right there in the middle of the verse.
Donna J
Donna —
I understand invisibility…the super-power I NEVER wanted! BEAUTIFUL anchor verse!!!
I had an Aunt who made me feel so special….she was special…and because of her I stayed connected to God…even when I walked the other way…because of her prayers and times we shared with each other she taught me that no matter what God loves me ….He CHOSE me…and has never left my side.
Chris — So beautiful that you also had an aunt who was “Jesus with skin on” for you…someone to be a vessel of His love!
Wow! I could have written this today. I was always the last pick for anything in school. I have been hurt deeply by friends and by others. Thank God, I am now chosen and beloved. I was back then, too, but I didn’t realize it!!
Janet —
Sounds like there are many of us who were “the last pick.” Realizing each day that we are beloved and chosen will help us grow beyond!
I must say, the feelings you have expressed in Day 1 and 2 have mirrored my thoughts exactly! I often feel like the trash being taken out, whether by those I once called close friends, family, or even co-workers. Throughout my life, I have had people walk away from me despite me pouring everything I had into them. I think it’s created a default belief in me that I am not worthy, that I am impossible to love long-term. While I know that not to be true regarding God, I think I secretly believe that He only loves me because he “has” to, since He – by His own nature – loves everyone. Thank you again, for this great series to change!
http://pattiland.wordpress.com
Patti —
I so hear you. Especially the part about secretly believing that He loves me/us only out of obligation. I think that’s why Psalm 18:19 thrills me so much: He rescued me because he DELIGHTED in me! Delight is so NOT a duty-bound word…so joyous and almost wreckless!
This is so totally me! I have always tried to “fit-in” when I should realize that I already do! I fit in where it counts! 🙂 Thanks so much for this challenge!
Patti — You’re making me think I need to make a sign that asks, “What am I trying to do that He’s already done?” and hang it some place where I’ll see it multiple times a day!
Make that, “What am I trying to do myself that He’s already done for me?”
I have always kept myself in the background not feeling like I belong. This is a great reminder that I am, “chosen.”
Desiree — A sister “background girl”! Yes, you are chosen. You belong to Him!
I totally thought I wasn’t a complainer, just because I’m not hardcore, LIKE SOME PEOPLE I KNOW… ;p I’ve been surprised to hear how much I talk about problems with no talk of a solution (the basic definition of complaining that I’ve adopted for use with my 6 y/o twins)! I’m keeping my mouth shut a lot more, now – and it’s been good!!
Sarah — Bless you for recognizing this so early on. (And LOL re: LIKE SOME PEOPLE I KNOW!!!) LOVE your definition of complaining. And I’m so right there with you w/keeping mouth shut a lot more! (Nobody even seems to “miss” all the things I’m not saying!)
I love this! Thanks for reminding me that He chose me! WOW!
Vicky — WOW is right! 🙂
My first response to the post was to say…me…chosen??? NO WAY!! Then I read the last line “It is written, ‘I chose you.’ And I choose to believe what You say!” I am now repeating this as my mantra and praying that the words seep into every part of my being.
Kimberly — Bless your heart! It’s so hard to believe, with all of our conditioning from broken relationships. Keep interrupting those lies with Truth from His Word!
Beautifully stated. As a youth leader, I struggle daily to commit this very concept into the hearts and minds of the teenagers in my group. If we can teach them early on to catch hold of this truth, just think of the amazing things they can do. If they don’t have to overcome years of struggling with their identity in Christ, they are that much more ready, willing and able to do much for the kingdom! Thank you for sharing.
Sherry —
Like you, I see the impact on kids who don’t know they are loved and chosen. Oh, for them to be spared the “years of struggling with their identity”!
For too many years, I fear my students experienced expectations/disappointment without hope. My daily prayer now is that as I receive God’s love, my students will experience it through me.
We love Him because He first loved us. 🙂 1 John 4:19
Quiver — Beautiful reminder! Loved and chosen … we respond by loving and choosing!
I have felt like the square peg trying to fit into a round world. I have felt that I don’t belong … anywhere. I have been working on accepting God’s truth and changing my thoughts that I do belong and am accepted and loved!!! Still sometimes hits me hard when I read that I am chosen!! I try hard not to believe the truth … why do I do that to myself?? Time to stop. What an amazing God we love and serve!!
Karen — Love your square peg and round world analogy! I understand trying hard not to believe the truth — sometimes my father will send me a loving e-mail or a friend will pray for me via FB, and I skim them quickly and move on. Like you, I wonder why? Why skim the good news…and dwell on the bad? Time to stop…and let the good sink in! 🙂
I’ve always felt on the outside of everything from my family to my church. I just haven’t ever felt like I belonged. I’ve never felt like I had a place in anything. I know that God has chosen me but I can’t help but still ask why. I’m trying to change my thoughts and feelings and I know that eventually I will succeed but only with His help. Thank you Cheri for being so real! God Bless!
Kristina —
I get that “outside” feeling. I think each PURSE-onality struggles with this in her own way. As a Choleric, I tend to be very involved, but I still don’t feel like I belong, like I have a place.
I think that as God leads us to reach out to help others feel included, we will find our place and switch our focus.
I’m amazed at how much negativity surrounds me…from myself, from other people. When you shine a spotlight on something, you get to see the naked truth in it!
Mindy — You’re so right! It’s like lifting up a log and seeing all the ugly bugs scurry around now that they’ve been exposed!
I talked to my hubby about this 31 day challenge last night and he is going to do it WITH me!! It is amazing how much negativity comes out of our mouths even though we are both pretty positive people. I’m excited to see what God is going to do with us on this journey.
Mandy — Wow! How cool that your husband is coming on board with you! Looking forward to both your perspectives!
Thank you so much for this challenge!! It has been really refreshing for me to hear these words of encouragement (and sometimes challenge) each day!! Thanks so much Cheri!!
Thank YOU for sharing the challenge, Betsy! I admire a newlywed seeking growth. Thank YOU for being an inspiration!
Thank you for this post. It is exactly what I needed. I keep that I am not living up to what God expects me to do. That I am not good enough. That I am the last one to picked to be on the team. Thank you for reminding me that He chose me, I am right where He wants me to be and He can use me just as I am.
Missy — You’re welcome! I’m glad the reminder came at a meaningful time for you. Scripture is full of stories that demonstrate that God uses people, like you and me, just as we are! (And when He does, we are never the same again!)
I really needed this today. I find myself constantly feeling like I am not good enough for God. That I should be doing more to “please” Him.
Thank you!!!
Staci —
You’re welcome! Glad it met a need. You have pondering, yet again, the difference between “doing more TO please Him” vs. responding with joy and gratitude BECAUSE He has chosen us!
I love the last line. You have nothing to prove. So freeing! Thank you for sharing:)
Lindsey — Glad it spoke to you. As with so many lines, it was on the chopping block during editing. Since I’m learning to ask myself, “What are you trying to prove?” has been helpful to me, it got left in! 🙂
OH MY GOSH!!!! That’s it finally I understand!!! WOWEEE!!!!
I must share this with another of my “unchosen” newfound chosen friends. A million thank yous!!!
Wendy
🙂 Nothing like an “ah-HA!” moment!
I realized yesterday that a good portion of my “baditude” is my response to other”s responses… for example, if my husband is upset with something I did or a mistake that I made, I get mad at him that he is upset. …that really doesn’t make sense, does it? So now that I have had this revelation its time for the hard part…to change…
Alison — Oh, it makes PERFECT sense! For decades, I’ve been a reactionary time bomb, with other people’s responses being the thing that pulls the pin. It’s been startling and difficult for me to learn that other people are allowed their own responses. Those responses don’t control me. The more I try to trigger or stop certain responses, the less I’m being who God created me to be.
I’m still in the midst of learning healthy detachment…staying fully present while not absorbing OR rejecting the other person’s response. Romans 15:13 is my anchor verse during such times: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (I figure that if I’m filled with joy and peace, and overflowing with hope, then there’s no space for “baditude”!)
This is a great reminder and breath of fresh air!! Sometimes I think I’d rather be anyone but me and wish i could change to a more “attractive” personality. But His words remind me that it is only in Him that I discover who He chose me to be. And although that may take a lifetime to discover, with Him I am never alone in my journey.
Oh Anne — “I think I’d rather be anyone but me” … “a more ‘attractive’ personality” … it seems the accuser goes specifically after women with these issues. We need exactly who He created you to be…you will bless so many on your journey because you are the one-and-only you!
It is awesome to feel chosen. There are days that I dont feel chosen bu my coworkers, my children, my husband, or even myself. Knowing that I was chosen by the one true God makes it ok.
“…you can quit trying so hard!
…you can quit being so hard on yourself!
…you can quit being so hard on others!”
I love this part of the blog. I am a hard person. Hard on myself and hard on others. I am making a promise to myself and my family to quit being so hard. I am chosen by God and because of that I don’t have to be perfect and my life doesn’t have to be perfect.
TEllison — Love how God works…those lines almost got edited out before I hit Publish because I thought, “Cheri, nobody but you needs to read that!” I took them out and then felt led to restore them. Now I know why! 🙂 I, too, am a “hard person.” Hadn’t thought of it in those terms, but it’s true. Jesus promise in Matthew 11:30 that his “yoke is easy and [his] burden is light” comes to mind…why do we make it so hard?
I live in a rural area and today as I was traveling to work, I got behind another tractor that was backing up and slowing down traffic. Usually, I grip and complain the whole time I am behind this big green machine. But this morning the Lord convicted me before I could let the thoughts run wild in my head or worse out of my mouth. SO I just thanked the Lord for the farmers and the food they provide for us and for their crops to have a bountiful harvest.
I’d love to be entered.
Melissa of Melissa’s Musings Blog
http://hugapoohlouise.wordpress.com
Melissa — Bravo!!! I live in a semi-rural area and frequently get stuck behind farm vehicles going v-e-r-y s-l-o-w-l-y. LOVE how you switched from “baditude” to Gratitude specifically for God’s provisions!
Oh yes, that was me too! Many unchosens in my life. I too long to trust that He has chosen me and for that to be enough for me even if I never feel chosen by anyone else.
Jennifer — You have me pondering how we, as women, can see evidence of how God has chosen us…especially in a world that emphasizes how terribly defective we are. Just walking down the make-up isle is enough to make me feel ugly if I’m thinking about the world’s view of me. I see evidence of God’s love in all the beauty he’s surrounded me with, even the weeds growing thru a cement crack. But “chosen”? Gotta think, study, and pray over that one. My human mind connects that so quickly to being chosen or rejected by other people…
I long to feel good enough! May be along the same lines as accepted. But I know He’s good enough! And he has “chosen” me for this time, these kids, this husband, these trials, this life! I long to trust that God knows what he is doing and because he has made the decision to put me where I am, I will be accepted because He has accepted me!!
Blessed — I so understand that longing to feel good enough and accepted! For some of us, it’s woven right into our PURSE-onalities; for all of us, it’s in our hearts. I love your recognition that even when you don’t feel good enough you KNOW He’s good enough! And what a difference it makes to know that you, your time, your kids, your husband, your life have all been chosen…none is a mistake!
Another powerful post. “Chosen” is such a precious word. I long to adopt and my heart breaks thinking of all the children longing to be chosen. Adoption is the heart of God bc He chose us! We’re adopted into His royal family!
Java — LOVE that you have such a special connection thru your desire to adopt! Now you’ve got me thinking about the connection between adoption and ambassadorship…God chooses us to be not just associates or workers but sons and daughters…so completely His that He then sends us to represent his heart to the world! What an awesome privilege and demonstration of how fully he chooses and trusts us!
I have found myself doing that so many times. Trying to belong, wanting to be accepted. I’m not proving myself to anyone anymore because I have been chosen by him and I choose to believe what he says.
Vanessa — It’s exhausting, isn’t it? Trying to belong and get accepted? Trying to “prove” yourself to others? Choosing to believe God has chosen us is the opposite: it’s restful and peaceful. Such a contrast!
Isaiah 1:19-20: If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: 20But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.
All this going back to childhood is driving me nuts. I deserved to be unchosen, trashed, and rejected as a child and definately as an adult. If I don’t obey God, I don’t get His blessings, whether social or financial. Yes, I’m going to heaven because I accepted Jesus’ sacrifice for my sins. But I can’t just sit back and say, “Oh, well God chose me, so I can act any way I want. I don’t have to try or work hard or anything.” Good grief.
“But I can’t just sit back and say, ‘Oh, well God chose me, so I can act any way I want. I don’t have to try or work hard or anything.’ “
Agreed.
Such thoughts/words are incompatible with surrender to God’s redemption and discipline.
I read this today and it hit home. I try so hard to teach my daughters that it doesn’t matter if they are chosen last on a team yet I see that I struggle with that. Thanks for reminding me that I am never last with God.
Pamela —
Great illustration of what you want to teach your daughters and yet struggle with yourself!
🙂 It’s also encouraging to others when we choose them…by asking of we can sit with them and such or saying more than “hello” to that person sitting near us.
Annette —
SO true…it’s encouraging to them when we choose them, and it changes who we are when we reach out beyond our selves.
This is so important. We get so caught up in selfishness that it is important to remind ourselves that we were chosen. I love this and needed it today.
Darcey — I love how you point out that it’s without realizing we’re loved and chosen that we get caught up in selfishness!
That was powerful. Thank you. I am one of those that was always chosen last, but I didn’t go out pf my way to make friends either, so… My friends were my books and my drawings. To my father I was never good enough; he seemed to always find something wrong or something that could have been done better no matter how hard I tried. My sister had medical problems, so I felt I was always passed over by my mother as she cared for my sister and baby brother (5 years younger than me). It had always been hard for me to see GOD as a FATHER that loves me regardless, someone I don’t have to strive to please, someone who loves me because of who I am, HIS child, rather than looking at all my failures and mistakes… HE is a great GOD! HE not only chose me, HE died for me, HE rose for me, HE lives for me… HE loves me… ME!… Unworthy, imperfect, sinful little me… And HE doesn’t put stipulations on it. HE loves me just as I am. What a great GOD!!! (As a side note, my Daddy has grown a lot in the LORD. We have a great relationship now. I couldn’t ask for a better father!!!)and 🙂
Nishoni — thank you for sharing your powerful testimony! I understand the books as friends (and envy your drawing ability!) And I get the “strive to please” issue; it’s still my knee-jerk reaction. Yes, regardless of what our earthly parents were or were not able to give us, God is our ultimate loving Father!
It’s hard to not feel like we’re totally standing on the sidelines when your husband has been laid off, and 4 months later is still looking for a job. Possibilities come up, and I find myself trying to control the situation and tell God what jobs/places He can choose from to place us. Then I have to laugh. I got it backwards. GOD chose me, and wants what is best for me and my family. He will show me/us where we need to be IN HIS TIME. I need to rest in the assurance that I have been chosen, and trust in HIS ability to lead me (and my family) where HE knows we will be successful.
Thank you for the reminder, Cheri.
Gaie B.
Gaie —
Love your recognition of getting it backwards!
I need to put the question “By any chance, am I looking at this backwards?” some place I can see frequently!
Rest…assurance..trust…all words that, when lived, allow us to exhale and quit trying so hard to “play god”!
I find myself telling God where he can CHOOSE to send us (my husband got laid off back in February). Then I am reminded that HE chose me and loves me unconditionally, and wants only the best for me and my family. It is I who much choose to accept God’s wise wishes for where we need to be at this point in our lives. I need to choose to listen and trust that by picking me to be on God’s team, He knows my strengths and will use them.
Thank you for the reminder, Cheri.
Gaie B.
Gaie —
Isn’t it fun trying to “help” God out? 😉
Sorry to hear about the layoff…praying for you and your family!
I have found out that I seem to complain more in the car. That person didn’t use her turn signal, that one is driving too slow, that one is driving too fast, etc. I don’t have road rage, but I do complain more. I switched my bracelet more times in the car than anywhere else. I had never noticed that before this challenge (and my kids are a captive audience in the car – what kind of message have I been sending them all these years?).
What do you mean by “switching your bracelet”?
Jena —
Thank you for expressing what SO many of us experience! It’s been a great neutral example (vs. parenting and marriage, which are so personal) to discuss.
Your recognition that your kids are “a captive audience” is a great one. Like it or not, we are influencing them during drive time!
Sdmadd2 — This blog post explains how the bracelet fits into The PURSE-onality Challenge: http://purseonalitychallenge.blogspot.com/2012/04/warm-up-day-9-becoming-new-purse-son.html
I used a bracelet yesterday for changing my thoughts and it was amazingly so helpful. I have felt unchosed in the town where we live for the last 5 years Today I will work on remembering God has chosen me and I need to stop working so hard. Thank you so much for this study it has been amazing!!
Mof3 — blessings on your positive attitude regarding your own negativity! I know awareness and change are not easy. For me, it’s been such a relief to finally make progress. (But even I wish I could throw away the bracelets some days!)
Wow, I grew up just about the same. I was never chosen for anything and I was a great wall flower. I didn’t get married until I was 29 because before that I didn’t think anyone wanted me. I love how you stated that I am already chosen! This has been such a great study for me just in 2 days! Thanks, Cheri.
Shonda — I was on that wall with you! It’s wonderful when someone finally chooses us…and transforming when we realize God chose us!
For some reason I always seek approval even when I have been accepted. I set high expectations for myself and others and complain when we don’t reach them. I am really trying to replace my baditude and this one day at a time is wonderful help.
Virginia —
The problem with human approval is that we know how short-lived it can be. So even when are accepted, we feel we must work to keep it.
Glad you’re finding value in one day at a time…God’s mercies are new every morning!
Seeking acceptance has always been a trait of mine I’d like to trade in!! Seeking the approval of the world is wrong – it’s not about what the world chooses, because they’ll break my heart every single time – it’s about KNOWING that he CHOSE me!! His love and unconditional acceptance is all I need in this world. Now stop setting such high and unrealistic expectations on yourself, D’ana and STOP setting them for your children, husband, and entire family! It’s a good thing to try and be the best at what you put your mind to, but don’t let it be consuming and don’t be so hard on yourself and others when we don’t “measure up”!!! Okay – had to have a little talk with myself…… thanks for listening!!! Replacing Baditude one day at a time – CHOOSING to make a big, bold change!!!!
D’ana —
Thanks for letting me eavesdrop! 😉
I’m actually working on a monologue in which I put Perfectionism on trial. (Not excellence, mind you…true CONSUMING “perfectionism.”) If it turns out, I’ll share it! (I’m LOL at your term “measure up” — I’m using a ruler as my prop!)
Today I had a good start to the day-Woke up right when my alarm went off(usually I hit is several times until I am “late”). Yesterday was challenging to be positive for me since I woke up negative for some reason. But after I read all the positive words on the day one blog and printed out my verse, I started to remember to be positive. I tried very hard the rest of the day. Still a bit challenging, however I did make it through the day and tried to share my positive words with other. Today I have printed out my verse and I have them on my desk near my phone at work in case I need to read them when I am speaking with customers. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the day brings me to see if I can keep the positive thoughts and words. Thank you for this challenge as I never realized I needed it. I always wondered why my son complained so much……Hmmm? Thank you.
Nikki —
I used to wake up negative every day. (Blogged about the change on my “regular” blog: http://cherionethingivelearned.blogspot.com/2012/04/first-few-set-tone.html)
What a great idea to have Bible verses in front of you when speaking with customers! I often need to call my students’ parents, and although I pray before dialing, I hadn’t thought to keep scripture visible DURING the call!
I’m glad you’re seeing value in the challenge. I SO understand “I never realized I needed it”!!!
So grateful for the promise that He has chosen me. It’s hard to walk differently than the world, knowing that you “just don’t look right” to them. But–Eph 1:4 and John 15:116 are wonderful reminders that the world view isn’t what matters!
Sallinda — Great reminder that God’s ways are counter cultural, at least to current American society! “This World is Not My Home” is one of my favorites to keep me from getting too “comfortable” (which is ironic because the world doesn’t even offer “comfort”!)
I am SO thankful He has chosen me and knows me and loves me. I had a hard time being grateful yesterday…I heard the biopsy is a basal cell carcinoma (best of bad news) but it really put me in a bad funk. I want to believe it will be OK but it’s hard…just need to TRUST, PRAY. Need to remember there is no “try” you either “do” or you “don’t”. I’m choosing to be grateful today.
Heidi J
Heidi — I’m sorry to hear this “best of bad news.” (Puts things in perspective really fast…I think my “funk” on May 2 was that I’d broken a nail!) It is hard to believe it will be OK…many of us are so used to making things happen or keeping things from happening.
10 Mother’s Days ago, I was lying flat on my back furious that the pain I’d had for 3 days wasn’t gone already. Had no clue that I’d just started a year of wild goose chases for a diagnosis (fracture of a vertebrae and herniation of discs above and below), “pain control” (including accidental prescription drug addiction), and rehabilitation (physical therapists are angels from heaven in my book!)
The hardest thing for me, even on days when the pain was a 9, was the loss of control. That year was the first real experience I had of true surrender to God.
Praying for you as you walk through this!
Praise Jesus that although others may forsake us; Jesus will NEVER leave or forsake us. I’m so thankful to be a child of the King!! I know what its like to feel lonely and forsaken. I am a shy/quiet type of person and had only very few friends. When they all left me alone it was then and there I was determined to not hold grudges because after all Jesus really didn’t have friends and with Him being my friend I don’t really have a need for earthly friends. I have to admit though; at times I have thought since I’m not good enough for earthly people I probably am not good enough for Jesus either and it’s than that I have to remind myself He has made us into the image of His Son. Today’s post was a great reminder and blessing!!
Saraah
Bless your heart — my introverted son and husband have taught me SO much about “shy/quiet” types of people (often Phlegmatic and/or Melancholy PURSE-onalities.)
New research about introverts is showing how badly skewed our preferences for talkative, happy, charming people are in America.
You have SO much to offer. You absolutely are made in the image of His Son and are Chosen, not just by Him (although that’s more than enough!) but also as a mission critical part of the body of Christ. I pray that God will open up opportunities to share your gifts in ways that bless others and affirm who you are in Him!
I have to say, when I first got saved and became a Christian immediately – yes immediately – my heart had changed concerning several things that were going to ruin me if they hadn’t changed. Well, recently I have been feeling like negativity and frustration are going to devour me. Yesterday I started this challenge and as excited as I was, I was even irritated at having to “watch” for something in the prayer journal. But I simply wrote, “change”, on the line. By the time I went to bed my heart felt lighter. Today when I woke up I had that same light heartedness I remember after I got saved. Whewwwhhhheeeee! Thank you Jesus!
MC4 — I love your honesty regarding “irritation”! For me, it’s the “gateway emotion” to complaining+.
“Change” is a great thing to write — God can and will do so much when we give permission!
I’d love to give this necklace to my 17yo daughter. She was rejected by her parents, who chose other things over her. She spent years in foster care, bouncing around from home to home before we adopted her when she was 14. She does NOT feel chosen, & as a result, she chases acceptance. I’d love to give her this as a reminder that we chose her as our daughter, and even more importantly, GOD chose her as His daughter.
This brought a tear to my eye … she is so lucky to have you, the Lord chose well for her.
Jamie — My heart goes out to your daughter…I’ve been a junior high teacher and now teach seniors, and I’ve spent two decades watching the “acceptance chase” in every possible form. As much as I hate what the enemy does to women, it’s his attacks on our children that appall me the most. I pray that your daughter will come to know the peace of being chosen by God and by you.
I, too, was one of the unchosen and that attitude has affected my whole life. I am always fighting a defensive attitude that has become part of who I am. This negativity makes me not a very nice person sometimes. I stumbled on this blog just yesterday – and I really see God’s hand at work!
dbsenk — I so understand fighting a defensive attitude! When we feel unchosen, some lie down and take it while others fight it tooth and nail. Both ways, we’re not living according to God’s truth and we’re hurting ourselves and others in the process. One of the ways I’ve known for certain that God is making big changes in me is the lessening of my defensive spirit and a growing ability to listen!
Cheri, this has had a profound affect on me. I have always felt left out, even in my own family. It has always seemed to me that I was never good enough for anyone, and was told (and convinced)as much growing up). To read this scripture anew, with the help of your perspective has really enlightened my heart (and lightened my burden). To think the creator of the universe CHOSE me!How awesome is that!I believe my outlook has been drastically changed!
Kelly — I think one of the most insidious lies the enemy tells women is that each of us is alone, we’re isolated because of something we’ve done, and we deserve to stay alienated. Your reaction mirrors mine — when I fight this lie with the Truth that God says He CHOSE me for keeps (!!!) it’s a whole new perspective that is slowly changing how I respond to myself and others.