Seeing Yourself Through God's Eyes: I am chosen by God.

"He chose us in him before the creation of the world."  (Ephesians 1:4)

School was in session, and everything was fine...fine until it was time for teams to be chosen. As the team captains called out the names of their chosen players, the air filled with awkwardness--at least for one timid teenager who was anything but agile. Oh God, I hate being chosen last. Please let somebody want me.

     Have you ever longed to be chosen because you were wanted...because you were desired? Child of God, the Lord chose you "before the creation of the world." He chose you only because He wanted you--not because of your strength, scholarship or skill. We can take no credit or merit in being chosen. Jesus clearly states, "You did not choose me, but I chose you" (John 15:16).

     Many years ago another child faced being chosen. The Lord sent the prophet Samuel to Jesse of Bethlehem saying, "I have chosen one of his sons to be king" (I Samuel 16:1). What an unfathomable honor for a family! Yet after Samuel had surveyed Jesse's seven sons, he said, "The Lord has not chosen these...Are these all the sons you have?" (I Samuel 16:10-11). Well, there was David, the youngest. But he was away tending sheep--and certainly not "king material"! At the prophet's insistence, however, the lad was brought in. Immediately, the Lord told Samuel to choose David, "and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came upon David in power" (I Samuel 16:13).

     In a most crucial battle we see Goliath completely terrorizing Saul's army. However, God uses the young, inexperienced David as the man of the hour. Imagine the Israelites' amazement as they watch "unarmored" David approaching Goliath. Just how could this child be confident of conquest? David knew the simple principle: whatever God chooses for you to do, He will equip you to do. In a moment, David single-handedly slew the nine-foot titan. His secret? He understood the true source of strength, declaring before the confrontation, "The battle is the LORD'S " (I Samuel 17:47).

     What truth for you today! When you face the "Goliaths" in your life, remember this: you have been chosen by the Lord. As you now see yourself through God's eyes, have confidence in the Lord--the battle is the Lord's!

                                     _____________His Plan for Me_____________

Personalize these verses in your own words:

John 15:19 ___________________________________________________
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Romans 8:33 _________________________________________________
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Father, through Your eyes I can see that I... __________________________
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I have confidence because...I am chosen by God.