Casandra Martin

It is never fun to be the last one picked. We all have those memories – kicking our feet in the dirt, heads hanging heavy and low, as one by one the kids around us are chosen. We hope against hope that our name isn’t the last one called. Finally, the moment comes. It is down to you and the other kid. The team leaders conference with the kids standing on the chosen side of the line. There are whispers, a moment of weighing the pros and cons, and then the one kid in the back who reminds everybody of how you dropped the ball, misspelled the word, forgot to carry the two, or froze in the goal losing the game for everybody. A moment of silence. And then the other kids’ name is called. It is no fun to be the one nobody wants on their side.

The good news is that today is different. God picks you. He has chosen you to be His very own. He wants you on His team, by His side, and in His arms. He doesn’t hesitate for a minute – He calls your name. You get to stand next to God on the chosen side of the line.

“For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight.” – Ephesians 1:4

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” – Isaiah 43:1b

My Jesus Resolution today is to live chosen. No matter how often the world tells me that I am not good enough, pretty enough, smart enough, or together enough to be on the “team”, God tells me that I have a permanent place by His side and in His heart. Let’s hold our heads up today, and walk with the confidence of one who belongs to the Lord. Smile – you are loved, treasured, and chosen.