Choices

I did not choose to be born. But I choose to live, not to die.

I did not choose to be born in the United States. But I choose to stay here and exercise my rights as an American. Some choose to live in other countries as ambassadors of the kingdom of God.

My friend did not choose to be born blind. But he chooses to be a victor, not a victim. To be a pianist and a composer who inspires many with his gifts.

We did not choose the talents and gifts we were given. But we can choose to hone them and use them for God’s glory.

We did not choose the weather today. But we can choose to live with it cheerfully.

I did not choose the traits that my children and grandchildren possess. But I contributed to that whole picture. And I choose to pray that they submit their personal characteristics to the One who can continue to mold them, use their strengths, and transform their weaknesses into tools for His glory.

God has choices, too. He chose to put Adam and Eve on this earth, even though He knew they would mess up. He chose to destroy the earth with a flood and save just a remnant of followers to start over. He chose Moses to lead the people of Israel out of bondage in Egypt. Jesus chose twelve disciples to be His followers. He said to them, 

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should remain” (John 15:16, NKJ).

In Ephesians 1:4 Paul says that “before the foundation of the world he (God) chose us to become, in Christ, his holy and blameless children living within his constant care. He planned, in his purpose of love, that we should be adopted as his own children through Jesus Christ” (J. B. Phillips). Adoption is a serious commitment! I know because I’ve done it. For God to choose to adopt me is an amazing fact that I cannot comprehend. But I accept it gratefully and choose to thank Him today.

God’s choices may be more significant than mine. But I want my choices to honor Him and thus gain meaning. What choices will you make today?