It’s that time of the year. We see images of children graduating from high school, standing beside parents who are proud to have helped their babies overcome years of obstacles and challenges, to obtain their high school diploma. In this country, we take elementary education lightly; but to have the freedoms to learn and continue learning is not an opportunity afforded by all globally, which is why many from varying countries seek visas to fulfill their lifelong goals that may be tied to educational requirements.

Some children go on to college. Over the course of their last years of high school, they take exams to see how they’d fair and what options are available based on their academic performance and test scores. Then- submitting applications for entrances and scholarships, essays, transcripts and all of the above only to receive a letter of acceptance.

You see your children run home to check the mailbox (any other time, the mail could be in the ground, spilling over from the mailbox and they would walk right past it).

It finally arrives- the one school they really want to attend sends a response to their inquiry. But wait! There are more letters. Your heart beats. You stand next to your child, waiting for the results. It is an amazing feeling to have options. Options simply mean that you have a choice. You can choose what school you desire because you have prepared yourself for success.

Chosen is the school that meets your criteria. The school selected was based on family, educational needs, and geographic location. Handpicked by you and preferred over all of the options. You chose what was best for you.

You. Chose. Me.

These 3 words together make me so emotional. As of late, they have been ringing in my ear. These three little words affirmed that although others had rejected me in the past, God chose me from the beginning. He had options, but GOD. CHOSE. ME. They confirmed God’s call on my life, easing my anxiety about whether people will accept me in the ministry or not. He chose you as well.

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.” John 15:16 NIV

He didn’t adopt us into the family because of who we are connected with, who we know, or any abilities we may have.

Before the creation of the world, God made a decision about you. Think about that. He saw all the good, the bad, and the ugly of your life, yet He still desired for you to be a part of His family. What’s more humbling is that He sent His Son, Jesus to confirm how serious he was about His decision.

He followed through on His choice. No rejection we could ever experience can measure up to the lengths God went through to choose you, because He has faith in you that you will carry out his mission.

Now- the choice is up to you. He chose you. Who do you choose?

And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood…but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. (Joshua 24:15, KJV)