One of our Youth authors, Alexa Smith, challenges us and then reminds us that we are chosen, forgiven, loved and saved … but only IF we say ‘Yes’ to God’s invitation.  Ed.

Often when encouraging others about our faith, we lose sight of why we are chosen.

Ephesians 1:4-5 says “For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ in accordance with His pleasure and will.”  NIV

We have been chosen to live a life expressing the characteristics of our creator, and we have been chosen to follow Him, because He has restored the covenant with us which leads us to salvation.

We are found, we are loved, and we are saved. He left the ninety-nine to look for you and me. Don’t take that lightly!

God chose us to live our lives so that we would spread the Good News and lead as many people to Christ as we can.

We were once broken and ashamed, but our sins are now washed away by the Redeemer who came to offer forgiveness and restore our hearts. Because of this, our faith can forever grow stronger.

We have been chosen because when we made the decision to follow Jesus, we made the decision to walk in His ways. Jeremiah 29: 11” For I have plans for you declares the Lord, plans for you to prosper and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future”. NIV

He has meticulously created you in His image and you are fearfully and wonderfully made, see Palm 139:13,14 “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

You have been chosen from the beginning as you walk in the light He shines for you. Being saved doesn’t give you a “get out of hardship free card”. Sin will always come our way, but it is our decision as to whether we walk with Jesus or with this world.

Alexa Smith
8 January, 2025