But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood,
a holy nation, a people for His possession,
so that you may proclaim the praises
of the One who called you out of darkness
into His marvelous light.
1 Peter 2:9
The Lie We Believe: We’ll never be chosen
The Truth: You have been chosen already
Growing up I would have done ANYTHING to get out of gym class. Especially when it came to activities that required choosing teams. I’ve never been particularly athletic, or popular, so I just knew down deep in my bones that I would be last. Being chosen as a last resort hurts almost worse than not being chosen at all.
Being a creative and a person who is constantly full of ideas, the internet can be like one giant gym class. I would love to speak at that conference, but they always pick someone else. I would love to teach a course about that, but she got to it first. I actually did something I’ve always wanted to do, but the bigger, stronger, more talented person over there is now trying to capitalize off of it.
When I forget that I’m already chosen, all the things I don’t get to do start to pile up like a big list of failures. Places and platforms that were never intended for me become goals because I want to finally, for once, be chosen first. I lose sight of the path God has put me on and all of the exciting opportunities that arrive for others don’t bring me joy – they cause jealousy.
Oh but when I remember what God says about me – that I’m chosen, holy, set apart – created to give glory to God and not myself? Then I find joy in the work that I do. I see the treasure of the doors that are opened – at the right time for me, my gifts, and my family. I can create confidently, knowing that whatever happens with it has nothing to do with me, but is part of the story God is writing with my life.
Then I can celebrate for others. I can see my path clearly and find joy when they discover theirs. I can stop chasing dreams that belong to someone else and instead stay true to the woman God created ME to be.
Questions:
- Have you ever been chosen first for something? How did it make you feel?
- Do you struggle with feeling like you’ll never be chosen?
- How does this Truth encourage your heart today?
Theresa says
I guess the key is keeping our eyes on Jesus and his work for us, instead of on our self. Or on what is happening in every one elses life. Maybe it all also comes back to trusting God to know what and when something is right for our life.
Tara says
Thank you! This post spoke to me so much. I was always chosen last in gym too.