I AM changes i am: chosen

For He (God) chose us to be in Him (Jesus) before the creation of the world to be Holy and Blameless in His sight. (Ephesians 1:4)

That word “chosen” absolutely amazes me.  Growing up, I was rarely chosen for anything.  I knew what it was like to be “unchosen” – especially when it came to sports.  As a little girl, I wore big clunky shoes with braces fitted in them, because my feet were “broken.”  At least that was my perspective. So, I didn’t participate in athletics the way a lot of kids did growing up.  So, at recess or gym class, whenever a game began, team captains were awarded the honors of picking their teams.  Remember what that was like?  We all lined up, and one by one they chose their teammates.  Everyone knew that the last couple remaining were the worst ever players in the whole wide world.  The one who wasn’t picked was even worse than the worst, and most of the times, their names weren’t ever called.  They just walked, head hanging to the other side. Let’s just say, I understand how it feels to not be picked. 

But, God chose me.  He chose you.  Not only did He choose us, but He hand-picked us before He ever created the world.  At that time, when the earth was without form and void, He knew your name (Isaiah 43:2, “I call you by name.”  I don’t understand it.  Yet out of all the people who would be born, somehow, He knew my heart.  He knew your heart, and looked inside of you, and said, “I pick ­­­­­­­­­­­­­__________ (here'’ where you insert your name) to be holy and blameless.”  That is how He sees you…  That is who you are – a blameless and holy creation.  After some consideration of this fact, I wrote the following poem.  I pray the meaning of being a chosen one becomes much clearer to you:

It’s hard to see

Why God chose me
Before the world began
But He looked in my heart and set me apart
And called me to be part of His plan.

Though I was crippled and lame,

Still forth He came-
His finger pointed at me.
“It’s you I choose,
Come, you’ve nothing to lose –
A part of my team, you’ll be.”

I looked around

There were others to be found
Much more worthy than I’d ever be.
“Lord, is it not a mistake?
There are others to take…
Look closer, I think  you’ll agree.”

I trembled with fear,

But His response was clear
As compassion filled His eyes.
“No mistake!  You’re my choice.”
My heart soared and rejoiced.
I felt humbled, uniquely prized.

Whom He calls – He justifies –

Justifies – glorifies.
He is for us!  We’re precious to Him.
Not one can charge us.
Not one can condemn us.
We’re transformed by His love within.

So faithful I’ll be,
To the One who chose me
Who sees me as nobody sees.
My heart I give.
My life to live,
To proclaim His excellencies!

(1 Peter 1:1-2, 1 Peter 2:9, Romans 8:29-33, Eph. 1:4)

 Well, grab a few more of those 3 X 5 cards.  It’s time to add to your “i am” statements.  Here they are:

1)       I am hand-picked by God, specially chosen.
2)      I am known by name.
3)      I am holy.
4)      I am blameless (more on these last two later).

 Spend a little time reflecting on these truths.  Sit with them. What do they really mean to you?