Chosen For Your Purpose

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Chosen For Your Purpose

How many times have you heard John 15:16  quoted? “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” Have you ever thought, “Why would God choose that person?” – or “Why would God choose me?” Does it seem God is picking people at random? Remember Paul -the one who walked and the power of God was so evident that people were slain in the spirit, fainting just because he passed by them? Yeah, him. He was a sinner too, before God chose him and changed him.

God has a purpose for every chosen vessel of His. People looking on the outward appearance are quick to judge according to their personal preferences. Yet, when God chooses a vessel He chooses according to His purpose, not ours. Before you make a decision about any thing, the self-centered human flesh desires you to seek out self-preservation. In this mode you will only do what is comfortable. You will not risk your reputation, or your finances, etc. However, God is looking for someone who will go “all-in” with Him.

When Esther was called to save her people, she had to risk her own life in going before the King. She could have refused to take such a chance on a people already disdained of the ruling order. Had she chosen to simply save herself and not “get involved” with a mission that seemed to have no hope of success, she would not only have sealed the deadly fate of her people but would also have forfeited her own future in the kingdom.

When you look at a person without stature, you may see a person with two left feet when you are looking for a great dancer. You may see a pauper when you are looking for a source of financial gain.

The army chosen of God in Judges 20 had seven hundred left-handed men. If you were looking for right-handed pitchers, you would miss these mighty men. Not only were they mighty, they were absolutely accurate in their craft.

16 Among all this people there were seven hundred chosen men left-handed; every one could sling stones at an hair breadth, and not miss. Judges 20:16 KJV

Do you remember that Jesus came as a tent maker? He was born first as a child into the world, when people were looking for a king in princely robes. Esther was not a “queen” in the eyes of princes until she became a member of the royal court. Yet, God had chosen her to be Queen of His Glory before she ever wore a robe.

God chose Judah’s camp to go to battle first of the tribes of the Children of Israel, against Benjamin (Judges 20). When Judah first went to this battle, they were made a mockery in the eyes of their enemies. They were beaten so, till they asked God repeatedly, both in fasting and prayer, if they were truly meant to be in this battle.

Do not fool yourself. If and when you see the children of God suffering at the hand of the unjust, do not think that it is a sign of weakness of the almighty. When you see an Esther in the kingdom, do not make the mistake of thinking that her poor estate is of any consequence to God. When you see Jesus on a donkey, do not think that you can outrun His army because you have horses.

For God has promised His own that tomorrow, He will deliver (Judges 20:28)!

What does it mean to be “chosen”?

Usually, when we speak of being “chosen” in Christianity, we are referring to the call to bear the good fruits of the Spirit (John 15:16). This includes fulfilling the works of ministry – but this is not the only meaning. To be chosen means that God has something for you to do.

How do I know if I am chosen?

If you were not chosen, you would likely not ask that question. Our curiosity in spiritual matters is often the result of a budding seed planted by the Holy Spirit. Since the Bible speaks of God’s chosen people, some have misconstrued this to mean that God does not choose anyone else. If God can use a mule to speak (Numbers 22:28), He certainly can select anyone or anything else that will have an impact accomplishing His will. We learn in the first chapter of Jeremiah that God chooses a youth to represent Him. God says that not only is this child chosen of Him, but he was chosen even before birth.

If you believe you may be chosen, get so close to God, that you will not be selected to be the destroyer. Judas Iscariot was chosen too – to be the son of perdition (John 17:12). God promises to help us find Him and His way if we truly seek. If we are willing to seek Him and follow His direction, God will place people in our path to help us know and understand His will, and to accomplish whatsoever He intends for us to do.

How do I know what God has chosen me to do?

If you do not yet know God’s will for your life, there may be room for you to cultivate your relationship with Him. Through this relationship, God will reveal His will. Meanwhile, seek God for confirmation.

Will God use someone else to confirm my calling?

God already knows whether or not you will receive His voice and his messenger. Hearing from God does not always mean hearing His “voice” directly. Get to know the fruits of God’s Spirit and to look for them in those who communicate with you concerning God – for where they are, if you reject them, you will lose the blessing carried with them. Even Jesus held His gifts from those who doubted exceedingly (Matthew 13:58). You will also want to know when the source of a communication is not from Him.

Remember to put any information you receive through the filter of the Holy Spirit. This is like a litmus test for all communications. Ask God to both protect and keep holy (under the blood of Jesus Christ), all communication to you, from you, around you, and concerning you (Henry Gruber). Satan can not communicate through the Holy Spirit. He can however, transform himself into an image of holiness because he knows what it looks like. You can arm yourself against him.

If I am “chosen,” why am I not a pastor, missionary, youth leader…?

To be chosen does not necessarily mean that you must now go out and start a church, or become a missionary, etc. People are chosen for different reasons (Ephesians 4:11). Whatever your occupation is, you can be chosen to fulfill a need in your own circle of influence. You could be a school bus driver, for example. A school bus is not a church; that does not stop you from including each child on the bus in your prayers before you go to sleep or to work every day.

You may be an accountant. A tax firm is not a food pantry for the homeless; that does not stop you from donating a portion of your wages to a charity that serves the community. You get the picture. You are on your path for a reason. While you continue walking in the way God wants you to go, He will surely bring you to the intersection of His will and your opportunity to do some Godly good.

For many are called, but few are chosen. Matthew 22:14 KJV

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