How many times have I wondered about the vivid moments in my childhood when I was always the last one picked for kickball? The last one standing! Did this ever happen to you? It was a horrible moment! Standing there waiting to be chosen and in the end, only settled for. Abandoned. Neglected. Devalued. Humiliated. Embarrassed. Unwanted. Faced with the reality of life when it feels empty and seemingly hopeless, I’m reminded of what Paul said to the saints in Ephesus:
“For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.” Ephesians 1:4
I’m reminded of this because I’m on a winning team! Further, I was chosen before creation — hand picked! I’m not alone nor am I unwanted. I have been selected in Christ — wanted by Him! There’s no reason for me to “feel” unwanted by anyone, regardless who turns their back on me or treats me unkindly. Feeling left behind with it’s loneliness is prompted by a lie crafted and entertained in our mind that we are unwanted. This could not be farther from the Truth! God loves us so much, He chose us before creation to rejoice in Him — to experience a little bit of heaven on earth through Him.
But Paul just didn’t stop in verse 4 at saying we were chosen by Him. He went on to reveal how God views me! If this were an episode of Batman & Robin in the early 80’s you might hear Robin say this right now . . . “Holy and Blameless Batman!”
God says what He means and means what He says. Because I am now IN Christ, I am holy and blameless. You might say, “but look at what I’ve done in my life! There’s no way I can be blameless for all that I’ve done! I’m as guilty for wrongdoing as the next guy!” Well, it is true that we are called to be holy … (“But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.'” 1 Peter 1:17) … but our sin does not change who we are IN Christ! These things are true about me regardless of what I have come to believe from others in my world. God’s word is True and therefore, this is True of me!
So, what happens then when I’m faced with dilemma? In the midst of my serious situation, what do I do? The defeating thoughts of resentment, failure, uncertainty of my future, anger and self-condemnation pelt my core like quarter-sized hail from the sky. I feel overwhelmed with so many things hitting me all at once. Where do I go? What do I do?
God has promised to “never leave us or forsake us” and He has promised to care for us (1 Peter 5:7). These promises are significant as we face each day. We have a loving Father who comforts us, cares for us, provides for us and protects us! He LOVES us!
Thank you Lord Jesus for the promises you made . . . to ME! Help me live each day not as the last one picked, but instead as the first one chosen by YOU because of your great love for me and because there’s nothing wrong with me!
by: Mark Cruver