When I was in grade school, I hated gym class. Dreaded it, in fact.

While most of the kids probably longed to get out of their seats and play a game in the gym, I would have much rather stayed behind in the classroom. Or somehow become invisible.

Because I was never chosen.

Every phy ed class began with lining up against the pea-soup green walls of the gym. Every class meant two appointed team captains would choose teammates. And every class meant a knot in my stomach because I knew I would happen.

Lori would be chosen. Mark would be picked. Kathy’s name would be called.

Finally there would be two of us left at the wall. One of the team captains would hesitate and then say something like, “I guess we’ll take Roxanne.” Roxanne would go over to that side and it was understood I would go to the other. My name didn’t even have to be called.

I was never chosen.

Maybe you can relate to my story. We all want to be picked for the team, asked to the prom, invited to the party.

We want to be chosen.

 

That’s why I love this verse in Ephesians:

Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.

Ephesians 1:4

Imagine. Even before God poured out the oceans, lit up the stars, or formed the mountains, He saw you. He chose you. He picked you out of the line at the wall.

Let that soak in for a minute. I don’t know about you, but the fact that I am chosen brings a deep joy to my heart.

To be picked means I am desired. To be desired means I am valued. To be valued means I am not left at the wall feeling worthless.

Next Step: If you believe in Christ’s work on the cross, you are chosen. Thank God for picking you out of the crowd and sending the Holy Spirit to put faith in your heart. Thank Him that He sees you as valuable and precious.

If you are not yet a believer, know that Jesus is calling you to be on His team. Accept His invitation to life with Him forever.