Guest post by Beth Jones
Short, skinny, and not very fast in elementary school, I was always an unlikely candidate to be chosen for either kickball team. I watched from the sidelines as popular children were quickly picked for Team A or Team B. After the elect were chosen, I waited with the others, the kids who were too skinny, too fat, too slow, too something. The team captains debated which of the “unlovely” ones they had to allow on their team. At long last, my shame-reddened face lifted to hear my name called.
Hide the pain.
What is wrong with me?
Many years have passed and I have learned through a powerfully healing relationship with my loving Father God that I am always wanted and always loved by Him. To God, my “voice is sweet,” my “face is lovely” (Song of Solomon 2:14, NIV), I am wholly desirable to Him, and there is no blemish in me (Ephesians 5:27, NIV).
While I may yearn for the love and approval of others (my husband, my children, countless other people), I’m confident that even in the days I don’t feel the love, I’m okay.
Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.
God assures me, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you.” I hold to the promise that He “is there, ready to help; I’m fearless no matter what. Who or what can get to me?” (Hebrews 13: 5-6, The Message)
God will never let us down, never leave us. Do you believe and know that?
- Even if you feel rejected?
- Even if you lose your home or job?
- Even if your marriage shatters to pieces?
- Even if you’re loved one gets sick or dies?
- Even if there’s no money in the bank and your child is hungry?
- Even if everyone you love turns on you?
- Even if the doctor’s report is bad?
- Even if you sinned last night?
- Even if you’ve lost your faith?
- Even if you can’t feel His presence?
Yes, even in these things, God is there for us. He loves us with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3). From the furthest corner, He has chosen us first not last; never rejecting us (Isaiah 41:9, NIV). Jesus laid down His life, that we might have abundantly blessed, secure, peaceful lives; cascading-river-of-pure-joy lives (John 10:10).
I’ll never be the last kid picked again; God chose me first. I am chosen. Loved. Desired. His.
Beth Jones is a Christian speaker, author, wife and mom of 3 beautiful daughters who equips women to hear God’s voice, to unlock their gifts, and to pursue their passion. You can find out more about Beth’s products and coaching services at http://www.bethjones.net.
Hate hate hated playing red rover at school. I was tall, skinny and not strong, my poor weak arms would die to let go before the bigger kids were going to break my arms trying to plow through. OUCH! It hurts just thinking about it.
I remember Red Rover, too! Didn’t like it, either – it did hurt! So glad we don’t have to play that anymore, Alyssa. 😀
Guilty. I was always the last one picked, or near last. I was tall and thin. I just wan’t a sports person anyway. I’m glad God picked us all FIRST, and we are able to now play BIG!