We all desire to be wanted and to know our purpose in this world. It’s a valid desire because we were all created with a purpose. But many times we can find ourselves striving for purpose and attention when we’ve already got God’s attention. We are chosen and handpicked by God.

For the longest time, I found myself seeking attention and validation from every outlet of life – my work, boyfriend, family, and even social media.

When I wasn’t noticed at my workplace, I lost my sense of purpose. When my boyfriend forgot to say I was pretty, I felt ugly. When my parents were disappointed in me, I felt worthless. When I didn’t get as many likes on a post, I felt forgotten.

My identity was easily shaken because I was dependent on imperfect and unstable people.

It wasn’t until Jesus gave me the revelation of His love for me that I no longer chased after validation and love from others. I found that His love was satisfying and complete. There was no need to strive for attention and worth from others because I was already loved by my Heavenly Father.

When our identity is in the hands of a loving father, it will not be shaken.

We may be forgotten by others but we are not forgotten by God. No matter what we’ve done, Jesus has already paid the price and has given us an opportunity to live a new life of purpose.

Isaiah 41:9 says, “I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you.”

God is still calling us to be His. He has called us from the ends of the earth and has chosen us and not rejected us. God sent His son Jesus to die for us so that we would be redeemed and become his children. John 1:12 says, “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God”.

When we choose to walk with God and live out our identities as children of God, we will find ourselves living out our purpose with ease. God will guide our step as we choose to live our lives that pleases Him. Psalm 37:23 says, “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.”

As we choose to walk in His ways, we will find ourselves walking into the very purpose God created us for. The reality that we are chosen and handpicked by God will show itself through the fruits of our living.

The enemy will throw lies in our mind that we can never live up to the dreams God placed in our hearts. It’s in those moments when we must remember that God loves us and we can do all things through Him who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13). There is no mistake you that have made that will make God say you’re no longer qualified for the call. His grace covers all sins.

We see throughout scripture that God used imperfect people and brought them out of darkness into His light. Paul from the Bible is a perfect example of one whom God used for His glory. Paul used to kill Christians but God still chose to use Paul.

Jesus encountered Paul and said to him, “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” (Acts 9:6) From that day, Paul got up and followed Jesus until the end of his life.  Because Paul followed Jesus until the end, He ended up writing 13 of the Books in the Bible and has blessed many lives until today. God used people like Paul to show us that His love for us is greater than our greatest sin.

Jesus is calling you to get up, leave your old ways and follow Him. Just as He chose Paul, He also chooses you.

What are things in your “old life” that you need to let go to follow Jesus? Will you accept Jesus’s invitation to follow him? 

As you do life with Jesus, you will discover the very purpose He created you for. He will never stop pursuing you because His love for you is unfailing. Jeremiah 31:3 says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” So remember, you are chosen and handpicked by God.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you that my past has no say into the future you have for me.

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