Recently I found myself in an all too familiar situation; a situation I thought had been left behind decades ago on a dusty playground in the back of an elementary school.

Maybe you have experienced a similar scenario. I’m pretty sure you know the one.  It is recess, or maybe P.E. class, and time to choose teams.  Inevitably team captains are chosen by peers or teachers and told to pick their teams from amongst the dozens of students waiting expectantly on the sidelines.

Usually it played out the same way.  There were those everyone knew would get chosen right away either from popularity or athletic prowess.  These children rarely worried about being chosen last.

Then there were those silently praying, “Please don’t let me be picked last.”  Sweaty palms, quickened heart, and silent pleading – the trademarks of the ones everyone was counter praying would not make it on their team. And when they did, sighs and disgusted looks were guaranteed.

Of course the absolute worst was when there were an odd number of students and you weren’t chosen at all – the teacher had to place you on a team.

Do one of these sound familiar?

There is something in most of us that desires inclusion and acceptance.

If so, you’ll understand my recent apprehension upon entering an environment I had not been a part of for a long while and questioned if anyone would pick me to join in their circle of friends.  This particular group of women enjoyed a long-standing friendship with a lot of history, private jokes, and memories.  I was the outsider invading their familiar territory.

But as I was questioning my inclusion to this new group, the Lord reminded me of a few things He taught me some time ago.

There are people who just have a knack for blending in to any situation with all types of people.  Typically that is not me. For years I constantly tried conforming to fit in and have acceptance with people.  From the way I dressed and talked to the activities I participated in, I would adapt and change – each time losing a little bit of me, because I was attempting to gain someone else.

Then God took me through a season – a very long season – where the only conforming being done was for Him.  It was a period of time with no friendships or activities outside of immediate family.

It began as a lonely season, with lots of excess time on my hands- but somewhere along the way evolved to a life changing understanding that I didn’t need to stand on the sidelines silently shouting, “Pick me! Oh, please somebody, pick me.”

What was the great, life changing discovery?

I was already picked.

Yes. Me.

I am picked.

Chosen by the great I AM.

John 15:16 says, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit – fruit that will last – and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.”

Jesus chose me.  More than that, He created me so that I could be chosen!

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.   Psalms 139:13-16

Guess what?

He chooses you too.

And though it feels good when we are included or asked to join in activities (which I was included recently for those curious to know), Jesus is always choosing you.

All you have to do is say YES.

 

Curious?

 

• Read Galatians 4: 1-7; Mark 14:36; Romans 8: 15
  • In your own words, write out the reasons God is our Abba.

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• In Matthew 5: 10 – 12, Jesus lists ways we suffer.
  • What does He list, and how does this relate to Romans 8: 17 – 18?
• Read Luke 19: 11 – 27.
  • What instructions are given?
  • What are the three outcomes?
  • Which one do you identify with the most? Why?

Really curious?

• Read and study 2 Peter 1: 3-11.
  • How does this passage support what is written in Romans 8?
  • What is the progression of adding to faith given through Peter in these verses?