https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lifelink-devotions/id1559931973

LifeLink Devotional

Tuesday, June 15, 2021

When I was a boy, I didn’t like standing in a line while two appointed captains looked us over and chose those who were good enough to be on their teams. First, the captains were chosen because everyone agreed they were the best players. Already I am feeling inferior. Then, one by one, players were chosen based on their ability to bring victory to the team. As each was chosen, my confidence sank. The closer I got to being the last one chosen the more I felt like a necessary addition to the team that would only subtract from the team’s chances.

I remember the first time I was chosen to be the captain. My first selection was a friend who was consistently chosen last. Everyone laughed at me. It didn’t matter. Everyone deserves a chance to be first.

Life can feel like we were chosen last. Daily routines and circumstances sink our confidence into the murk of mundane mediocrity. People’s actions and reactions drain our energy and damage our endurance. Quitting the team seems like a viable option.

But then the marvel of our Maker shines through the darkness with eternal Light. Here’s how Paul describes it.

Galatians 1:15-16a  “But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me…”

Almighty, Eternal, Sovereign God saw me before I was ever in line and set me apart to be His.

He called my name, even though others seemed more qualified to be called. His call was not based on my qualifications, but was a response to His love and grace.

He revealed Jesus to me. He gave me His qualifications. He gave me His life. He gave me everything I needed to be a member of His victorious team.

WOW! My energy is restored. I am determined to endure to the end. I have been chosen first.

So have you.

Pastor John