The sound of their laughter is like fingernails on a chalkboard. “Ain’t nobody got time for this! Not today, satan.” Some days, I have to fight off rejection when left out of a conversation. When their heads touch as private jokes are whispered to one another, I turn and walk away. My stomach sinks as they hug like they haven’t seen one another in years or like they’ll never see each other again. In the past, these interactions left me confused, hurt, and lonely. I would seek a private space to release my pent-up tears. Not today.
Today, I look up, breathe deeply, and praise God for always choosing me. Others may leave me out, others may not consider how I feel, but not Him. He chose me. I can’t remember where the verse is located, so I open the Bible app on my phone. After tapping on the search feature, I type in the word ‘chosen.’ Reading through the verses listed, I smile when I find the one God brought to mind;
“If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” John 15:19 NIV
That Is Why
Jesus explains why we might feel rejected by the world. He tells us why we are not part of the group. He intentionally separates us from the world. That’s what He does with His chosen. He doesn’t do it as punishment. He does it out of love. My feeling rejected drove me deeper into His arms, right where I needed to be. And where I choose to remain. Are you struggling to fit in, dear one? Let His choice be your comfort. It may sting temporarily, but it will be exactly what is needed in light of eternity.