December 11, 2019
Ignored by Man, Chosen by God
Sharon Jaynes
Today’s Truth
“If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I havechosen you out of the world” (John 15:19 NIV).
Friend to Friend
Have you ever felt that you were overlooked or ignored…like you were a nobody? Well, take heart girlfriend. You are not alone.
In the Bible, we read the story of when the prophet Samuel went to anoint the next king of Israel. By God’s instruction, Samuel traveled to Bethlehem to the house of Jesse. He knew where to go and what family the king would come from. He knew the next king would be one of Jesse’s sons…he just didn’t know which son.
Samuel arrived in Bethlehem and asked Jesse to bring all of his sons out for his inspection. Jesse brought out each of his seven sons, one-by-one. As Samuel prayerfully approached each young man, God said, “No, that is not the one…No, that is not the one…No, that is not the one.” Seven times God refused Jesse’s sons. Finally, exasperated and confused, Samuel asked, “Are these all the sons you have?”
“Oh yeah, I do have one more son,” Jesse said. “I almost forgot all about him. Little David is out taking care of the sheep. I’ll send someone to get him.”
David was so insignificant to his own father, that when the prophet requested an audience with all of his boys, the dad didn’t even think to invite him. However, he was the very one God had selected to be the next ruler of His chosen people. How exciting! You may have felt overlooked, disregarded, and ignored, but God has chosen you!
Ponder these verses…
- “Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12 NIV)
- “In him we were alsochosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory” (Ephesians 1:11,12 NIV).
- “Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies” (Romans 8:33 NIV).
So when you have that thought (which comes straight from the devil), that no one ever chooses you above all others, tell yourself the truth: I am chosen and highly favored by my God who loves me and gave His life for me.
Let’s Pray
Dear Father, thank You that I am chosen and dearly loved. While there have been many times in my life where I was not chosen, I rejoice that You chose me! Help me to be an encourager to others who may feel neglected or discarded by those in their world.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
When was a time in your life when you felt rejected?
The Bible says that we have a High Priest (Jesus) who has felt all the pain and suffering just as we have. How was Jesus rejected?
At the same time, how was Jesus chosen by God?
Consider writing down the verses in today’s devotion and post them somewhere you can see them often.
More from the Girlfriends
Today’s devotion was taken from my book, Enough: Silencing the Lies that Steal Your Confidence.
Do the voices in your head tell you that you are not good enough, smart enough, pretty enough, or just not enough, period? If so, it’s time to stop listening to the lies that sabotage your confidence and start embracing the truth of your true identity in Christ. It’s time to overcome the lies of the enemy with the promises of God. This book will show you how.
Also available, just in time for Christmas, is the Enough bracelet to remind you that you are More than Enough every time you wear it!
Seeking God?
GirlfriendsInGod.com
Click here to learn more about hosting a Girlfriends in God conference in your area or having one of the GiGs speak at your next women's event.
