Out of My Mind

This week, my son Eli had basketball tryouts for the Glynn Middle School team. He is in the 7th grade fighting for a position with 7th and 8th graders. There were over 30 kids trying out for around 15 positions. Eli felt like his tryouts were going pretty well, but he wasn’t positive if he was gong to make it. The coach was posting the final team this morning before school.

Eli called from school just a few minutes ago. He checked the list… and saw his name! He was picked for the team. Coach chose him. Now immediately my heart went out to all the young men who did not see their name on the list. It is hard to try out for something and find out that you did not make the cut.

At that same time, however, I felt great joy for my son. I know it must have felt good to see his name on the list. It took me back to my freshman year when I tried out for the baseball team at Glynn Academy. There were a lot of kids who tried out, and eventually our coach placed the final cuts up outside the weight room. I can remember feeling good about my chances, but there was nothing quite like seeing your name there on the list. I made it. I got picked by coach to be on the team. I am sure Eli felt good this morning to see his name on the list. It feels good to know that you have been chosen.

Have you ever felt like that you didn’t make the cut though? Have you ever felt that you were not good enough?

I want to remind you of Jesus’ words today. If we could let these words become more powerful to us than seeing our name on a list outside the gym, it would transform us:

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you…” John 15:16 (Jesus)

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name, you are mine!!!!” Isaiah 43:1 (Almighty God)

Can you just imagine walking up to God’s list, and checking to see if you made the final cut? You feel a little nervous. You don’t like your chances because you think He is only looking for superstars. You almost don’t even bother to check the list, because then you will have to deal with that pit in your stomach afterwards.

But something beckons you to look. You are drawn to see those names. But you look, and your name jumps off the page. It seems as if it is the only name there in that moment. God chose you. Jesus picked you. He wanted you on his team. He called you by your name. I want you! I choose you! You are mine! These are the words of God today.

Let’s live it out. Let’s live like the chosen people of God.

How does it feel to be so privileged? I would love to know what hearing this truth means to you?