CHOSEN

The Bible says that God knew us in our mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13). He knew every choice we would make, every sin we would commit, every hair on our head for as long as we would live (Luke 12:7) and still, He wanted us. Jesus still went to the cross for us.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about the disciples Jesus chose and specifically about Judas. Jesus knew Judas would ultimately betray Him. He could have picked someone else to walk closely with Him, someone more deserving by our standards. But He didn’t. He still chose Judas.

That, to me, is such a beautiful picture of the heart of God, His arms wide open, His love unwavering. No matter what, He still wants us. He still loves us.

Being chosen is a concept that feels almost wild to me. So much of my life has been spent feeling like I had to fight to belong somewhere or prove that I fit in, even within my own family. Right now, I have a strained relationship with a few of my siblings. We haven’t spoken in over a year, and that’s been really hard. There’s an ache in knowing that even with family, I don’t feel like I belong.

But in that ache, I’ve experienced a deep sweetness in turning to the Lord. In knowing that He has chosen me, and still chooses me, in the good, the bad, and the ugly (1 Peter 2:9).

I know my story isn’t everyone’s story, but maybe you’ve felt something similar. Maybe you’ve struggled to fit in, to feel valued, to be wanted by those around you. If that’s you, here’s my encouragement: it’s okay to grieve what’s broken, but don’t miss the sweetness of pressing into the One who made the entire universe and still chose you (Isaiah 41:9–10).

You are not an accident. You are not here by chance. You are here because God wanted you here. Not out of convenience. Not out of obligation. But because, before time began, He chose you.