.CHOSEN1

There’s a popular saying, “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” For me, it was never about my readiness; it was about being chosen. I didn’t choose GOD; GOD chose me. This realization has been both humbling and profound, defining my life in ways I never anticipated.

A Silent Presence

From a young age, I felt a unique presence in my life—a gentle whisper in my thoughts, a comforting embrace during dark times, and an undeniable guidance that seemed to lead me just when I needed it most. I grew up in a world where chaos reigned, and temptation lurked at every corner. Yet, amidst that uncertainty, there was a calm assurance that I wasn’t alone.

I remember going through my rebellious teenage years, exploring paths that led me far away from the moral teachings I’d known. Sin and confusion became my companions, and as I stumbled through the haze of misplaced decisions, I could still feel that silent presence—GOD, waiting patiently.

Feeling Like an Outsider

Throughout my life, I often felt like an outsider. I struggled to fit into the molds that others had created—whether in school, social circles, or even within my family. No matter how hard I tried to conform or seek acceptance, there was always a sense of disconnect. It was as if I was standing on the outside of a glass wall, watching everyone interact while I remained invisible and unheard.

This feeling of not being accepted led me to search for my own identity. I sought validation in various places—through friendships that fizzled and affiliations that didn’t align with my true self. Yet, amid that loneliness, GOD’s presence persisted, offering a different kind of acceptance that was far deeper and more fulfilling than I had ever known.

The Challenge of Sharing My Story

When I speak about my life and my journey of faith, I often encounter skepticism. People either don’t believe me or struggle to understand how I emerged from such difficult circumstances into a place of hope and purpose. The transformation I experienced feels surreal even to me at times, and I can see how it might seem implausible to others.

It’s disheartening when some dismiss my experiences as exaggerated or unimaginable. They can’t grasp the depths of my struggles, the battles I’ve faced, or how faith became my refuge. When I share the moments that profoundly changed my life—those nights of despair and ultimate surrender to GOD —it can feel like I’m speaking a different language. But I realize that my journey is mine alone, and while others may find it hard to understand, it remains a testament to the power of GODS grace.

The Spirit of Competition

Yet, there is another layer to this experience that I’ve come to recognize. As soon as people begin to discover the essence of who I really am—the depth of my faith, my resilience, and the joy that emanates from my relationship with GOD—I often feel an unsettling spirit of competition. It’s as if some around me feel threatened by the light that I carry, perhaps out of insecurity or a desire for validation themselves.

But here’s the truth: I don’t come from a place of comparison or competition; I come from a place of love. My journey is not about outshining others, but rather about illuminating the path for those who may be struggling in darkness, just as I once did. It reminds me that our unique gifts and stories aren’t meant for rivalry but for connection and encouragement.

Dark Times Can Illuminate

It’s often said that it’s in our darkest hours that we discover our true selves. For me, those moments of despair were transformative. I experienced grief and loss that made me question everything I thought I knew, and it was in those moments that I felt GOD presence most acutely.

During one particularly difficult season, I found myself kneeling on a cold, hard floor, consumed by despair. It was then that I felt a wave of warmth envelop me—a comfort that washed away some of the pain, reminding me that I was never truly alone. That night, GOD made Himself known to me, showing me the beauty of grace amidst my sins and the harsh realities of feeling unaccepted.

The Weight of Choices

In recognizing that I was chosen, I also grappled with the weight of my choices. It was liberating to understand that God loved me despite my flaws and failures, yet it also came with a sense of responsibility. My journey wasn’t just about receiving grace; it was about living a life that reflected that grace to others.

As I graduated from my rebellious phase, I began to seek out the teachings of GOD more intentionally. I spent time in prayer and meditation, seeking that presence I had always felt. Reading scripture became more than a task; it became a lifeline, illuminating the path forward. I found solace in Psalms, comfort in Proverbs, and direction in the Gospels. Each passage resonated, stitching the fragments of my life into a harmonious narrative.

Striving for Righteousness, Not Perfection

A pivotal lesson I’ve embraced on this journey is the importance of striving for righteousness rather than perfection. It’s easy to become paralyzed by the fear of not measuring up, but I’ve learned that GOD doesn’t expect me to be flawless—He desires a humble heart, willing to grow and learn.

Being righteous means aligning my actions and intentions with my values and GODs word, even when I fall short. It’s about making choices that reflect love, grace, and integrity while understanding that I am still a work in progress. This journey is not about never making mistakes; it’s about how I respond to those mistakes with humility and a desire to improve.

For me, acknowledging my shortcomings has opened the door to greater authenticity in my faith. Instead of striving for an unattainable ideal, I focus on doing my best in every situation and seeking forgiveness and growth along the way. It’s a reminder that my worth is not defined by my failures but by the relentless love and grace of GOD.

Embracing Love Over Fear

One of the most profound lessons I learned was that my relationship with GOD shouldn’t be based on fear or obligation. Instead, it blossomed into one rooted in love. As I began to embrace the concept of GOD as a loving Father rather than a distant deity, everything changed. It transformed how I approached life and how I interacted with the world around me.

I learned to view challenges as opportunities for growth, using prayer as my guide. I found joy in serving others, mirroring the love I felt—understanding that this love was meant to be shared. My relationship with GOD taught me to embrace both vulnerability and strength, realizing that every tear and every moment of joy was part of His divine plan.

Living in Awed Awareness

To this day, I live in a state of awe, often reflecting on how GOD has woven through the fabric of my existence. Those moments of despair? They served as stepping stones to deeper trust. Each trial pushed me further into His embrace, revealing a GOD who is not removed from our struggles but deeply engaged and profoundly loving.

I have come to cherish this journey with GOD, recognizing that it is not a linear path but a beautiful tapestry of experiences—each thread significant and intertwined. I still stumble; I still make mistakes, but I also have learned that this is the beauty of grace. GOD continues to choose me, to teach me, and to guide me.

Conclusion: Faith IS a Lifelong Journey

As I share my experience, I hope that others may find solace in the understanding that we are all chosen in our own ways. It’s not about how we reach out for GOD; it’s about recognizing that He has always been reaching out to us. Whether through joyful days or dark nights, His presence remains constant.

So, to anyone reading this: you are chosen. You are loved. In the midst of life’s chaos, remember that GOD sees you, knows you, and is ready to walk with you on this incredible journey of faith. You might not have chosen Him, but He chose you long before you ever drew breath. Embrace that truth as I have embraced it—a beautiful beginning of a lifelong journey, where striving for righteousness, not perfection, becomes our guiding star. Just as I’ve learned to embrace my unique identity in GOD, I encourage you to recognize that your differences are not a hindrance but a beautiful part of the divine plan. You are accepted, just as you are—even if others might find it hard to believe or understand. The essence of your journey is yours alone, and it holds immense worth and significance. And in the heart of competition, may we remember to ground ourselves in love, knowing that we are all part of a shared journey toward grace and understanding.

The concept of a “chosen one” in the Bible includes several interpretations:

1. **Israel as Chosen People**: The Old Testament designates Israel as God’s chosen people, particularly noted in Deuteronomy 7:6.

2. **Messiah**: In Christian belief, Jesus Christ is seen as the ultimate “chosen one,” fulfilling various Old Testament prophecies, especially from Isaiah, as supported in the New Testament.

3. **Specific Individuals**: Key figures like Moses, David, and the Apostles are individually chosen by God for specific purposes and missions.

Overall, this theme emphasizes God’s sovereignty and his distinct intentions for both groups and individuals throughout the biblical narrative.