Chosen
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. John 15:15
Think about a time when you were chosen. Do any of the ones below resonate with you?
Award at school / member of a sports team or club
Team captain / band section leader / lead role in school play
College entrance of choice / scholarship / honors
New job / job promotion / leadership position
Friendship / spouse
Perhaps you were chosen for something not noted above. How did you feel to know that you were chosen? To be chosen means to be intentionally selected, set apart, or called out for a particular purpose, role, or relationship. It implies value, favor, and purposeful attention.
Just over a year ago, I was chosen as a recipient of one of Lifeway’s Value Awards, the Treasure Bible Truth Award. I will forever remember that day at our One Lifeway event when my name appeared on the big screen and I was called to the stage. As I made my way in front of the entire company, I listened as one of Lifeway’s leaders read so many incredibly nice things that people said about me. I was humbled and thrilled at the same time! That one moment in time has had a considerable impact on me!
Being chosen makes you feel valued, seen, and loved. You know that you weren’t picked by chance, but with care and intention. As a result, you are grateful, humbled, and excited.
Being chosen by God means being called into relationship with God through Christ, often referred to as being ‘called’ or ‘set apart.’ God desires such a relationship with each of us. He does not discriminate. We do not have to live up to a certain standard or work to get it. We just have to be open and willing to His leading and working in our lives.
Let’s take a look at a great example of God’s pursuit by reading Acts 9:1-9. This passage is very familiar to most of us. Saul was a devout Jew and a Pharisee from Tarsus. He believed in God, but he did not follow Jesus. In fact, he was an enemy to people who did follow Jesus. He hated these followers of Jesus and wanted to destroy the church. He had a systematic approach of going from town to town and dragging out the followers of Christ and throwing them into prison.
Paul was on his way to Damascus to find followers of the Way (the early church) when God brought a bright light that blinded him. He met Jesus that day, and his life dramatically changed. When he later opened his eyes and could see, he viewed the world from a different perspective. He had a new vision, a new mission, a new perspective, and a new purpose. It’s worth noting that Paul did not go to Jesus. Jesus chose and pursued him. And, He chose him for a big task. Paul went on to spend the rest of his life traveling and sharing the gospel with others. He wrote 13 books of the New Testament and became one of the greatest, if not the greatest, missionaries of all time. God's choice of Paul demonstrates that He can use anyone, regardless of their past, to accomplish His purposes.
Jesus is calling each of us to get up, leave our old ways, and follow Him. Just as He chose Paul, He also chooses you. The second reality, as stated in Experiencing God, a study written by Henry Blackaby over 30 years ago that has sold millions of copies in many languages, reads, ‘God pursues a continuing relationship with you that is real and personal.’ God’s desire is for all to experience salvation through Christ.
When we accept Jesus, surrender our lives to Him, and enter into a relationship with Him, we become “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,” according to 1 Peter 2:9.
Once we make the decision to accept God’s invitation to become a part of His chosen family, we are called and set apart to live our lives worthy of Christ, to live differently—with compassion, holiness, and courage. And, from there, we are called and chosen to bear fruit. God has a plan and purpose for our lives. Have you realized what God has chosen for you?
When you doubt your value or wonder if your life matters, remember this: God chose you. He called you His own. You are part of something eternal — His holy people, set apart to show His goodness.
Call to Action
Being chosen by God comes with purpose and responsibility. Being chosen is not passive but a living identity that moves people into action. Here are some steps to take to live up to our choosing:
Live with integrity and pursue righteousness.
Stay close to God and respond to His leading.
Share your faith and serve others in love.
Own your purpose and use your gifts for God.
Identify the area above to which you need to focus more time and attention.
Digging Deeper
Read 1 Samuel 16:1-13 for the story of how God chose David as the King of Israel. Note that he was not the one that Samuel and others thought would become king. David was young, and he did not have the most impressive height and stature. But God revealed that He does not look at outward appearances but at the heart. If you don't feel worthy or find yourself doubting what God may be calling you to do, keep these truths in mind. God only wants a willing soul. He will equip and provide. Here are other verses to read on this topic: Deuteronomy 7:6, Ephesians 1:4-5, Colossians 3:12, John 1:12, Galatians 3:26, 1 John 3:2,
Prayer
Father, thank You for choosing me, not based on what I’ve done, but because of who You are. Help me live like someone who belongs to You—bearing fruit, showing love, and walking in purpose. Even when I feel unworthy or forgotten, remind me that Your voice is louder than my doubts. Amen.
Copyright © 2025 Kyle Cravens
