Struggle & Triumph | What God Says I HaveSample

I Have Been Chosen and Set Apart

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9

Can you recall a time when you didn’t know if you would be starting the next game? Maybe you were improving and thought you deserved a shot to start. Maybe you hadn’t been playing your best and thought there was a chance that your role would be lessened. The anxiety leading up to the moment was thick … And then, you heard your name called. For this opportunity, you were not just going to get in the game. By naming you as a starter, the coach was saying that you were part of the best chance the team had to succeed. You were chosen.

When our daughters were growing up, we heard a message that resonated with us, and we took the advice to heart. From that point on, when our children left the house, we’d remind them, “Don’t forget who you are and whose you are.” Reminding them who they were was asking our daughters to remember their upbringing and all the lessons they had learned — all the times we told them that they were special, that they should have expectations of how they should be treated and the way they should treat others. Reminding them of whose they were was even more important. At the end of the day, they didn’t belong to us. As parents, we didn’t own our children, we were given the gift to raise and nurture and love them. Ultimately, they were accountable to the One who chose them first. He chose them and gave them the talents and gifts that make them unique. He provides hope for them, protects them from darkness, and will love them for eternity.

Whether it’s a schoolyard pick, or the coach announces that he or she is choosing us to start for the biggest game of the year, being chosen puts us in the game. Take a moment to reflect on what it means to be selected by the Lord of all and to be on His team. Peter tells us that since we were chosen into the “light,” God will now execute His game plan through us, to “proclaim the wonderful acts of God.” 

When you speak of the One who gives you your talents, provides you with hope, protects you from darkness and loves you forever, you are adding glory to God’s name and helping others choose to be chosen!

Application: Take a moment to think and pray about someone who would be encouraged to hear this message, and either share it with them personally or use the text feature.