It doesn’t matter how clumsy or uncoordinated we are, God loves us enough to choose us as His own to be on His team.
Eternal Perspectives by Sally Bair
Chosen last? Never!
Five baby raccoons climbed my backyard ironwood tree, trying to reach the bird feeder. Their clumsiness and uncoordinated movements, typical of young critters and humans alike, made me laugh out loud as each one fought mightily to reach their goal. Their attempts reminded me of my own clumsiness as a kid. I hated girls’ physical education classes. Climb the rope that hung against the gym wall? Not one foot. Do a proper push-up? No way. Jump a hurdle while running? Only by falling on my face.
The much-feared game of softball also took its toll of embarrassment. My phy-ed class chose sides, usually with the two most athletic girls as team leaders. The rest of us stood in a long row, waiting to be chosen. Carol, Judy, Marlene … one girl after another left the row to join her team until only I remained. By that time, all I wanted to do was run home crying.
Of course, the team leaders had good reason to choose me last. Whenever the softball came sailing toward me, I hugged my head and ducked. How humiliating!
I still tend to be clumsy at times. One time I tripped on a tree root while carrying a twenty-pound backpack, sailing downhill with my arms twirling like a helicopter rotor to keep upright. You get the picture. Athletics never have been my thing.
Many of us have experienced being chosen last. Such humiliating encounters may even cause emotional trauma, such as losing out on a special job, contest, friendship or marriage partner. Life’s playing fields can be challenging and uncertain.
Thanks to God, however, we can be sure of being chosen for His playing field. Jesus told His disciples (see John 15:16), “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.”
Jesus prayed thus for His followers, those who stuck with Him, who remained on His team: “Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are.” (John 17:11) He continued by asking that “they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves.” (verse 13)
We can be assured, according to His Word, that when He chooses us to be on His team, He will furnish the strength and power we need to win the game.
Lord, what a joy knowing that You chose us for Your team in the game of life. Cause us to be worthy players, looking out for each other, and for outsiders, with love and kindness and forgiveness. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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