From the television series The Chosen
You believe in God. Good. But does God believe in you?
It would be a gross understatement to say I was not a bigtime sporto in high school. In P.E. class, the moment our coach appointed baseball captains, they would hold “choose-ups.” Team Captain One would say, “I choose Bobby Awesome.” Then Team Captain Two would say, “I choose Dave Superjock,” etc. And so it would go, until there were only a few guys left. I was nearly always one of those guys—the creamless of the crop. In fact, sometimes I was the last guy chosen. Correction: the last guy isn’t actually “chosen,” he’s a left-over, the one Team Two gets stuck with.
But one time my friend Joe was team captain, and for reasons known only to Joe…he chose me! Right off the bat (note clever baseball reference). And he did it when there were still bonafide ballplayers left to choose from! He chose me—the guy who, as Mr. Berry might put it, “never learned to throw a ball so well, but he could play the guitar just like a-ringin’ a bell.” (Which doesn’t count for a lot in baseball.)
For some reason, Joe believed in me. And that changed everything. I started playing like…well, like I could actually play. And finally, on my last at-bat, I hit a real, gen-u-wine homerun! Call it luck if you like, but I knew better. It was because Joe believed in me…
And that changed everything.
Being chosen by God means God believes in you, and that you can succeed at what he’s called you to do! But wait–not sure you’re chosen? Here’s how to tell: Do you want to be, really want to be? Do you want to know and love and glorify God more than anything else? Then, guess what? He’s chosen you. And being chosen by God…
Changes everything.
Mitch Teemley 
How appropriate to choose an image from The Chosen 🙂
I’m glad Joe picked you, Mitch. I’d pick you, too.
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Aw, thanks, Abe.
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A very encouraging word. Being chosen by God changes everything, just like how your friend Joe believing in spurred you, knowing that God chooses us – may it spur us to what he calls us to do.
Thank you Mitch.
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My privilege, Manu.
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We are chosen and loved. Thank you for reminding us on Mother ‘s day in Britain.
Sandy ________________________________
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Being chosen is, indeed, the essence; Ephesians 1:4….just as [in His love] He chose us in Christ [actually selected us for Himself as His own] before the foundation of the world, so that we would be holy [that is, consecrated, set apart for Him, purpose-driven] and blameless in His sight. In love
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Amen, Rita.
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Wonderful little story and we also love the Chosen series. Can’t wait for season three to begin!
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Me too, Pete!
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And He chose you long before you knew how to choose.
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Exactly, Anita.
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Just got home from church to find Mitch and Rich (the preacher) on the same page today. It’s like someone is giving me not-so-subtle hints about God choosing me. Thanks Mitch…
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My privilege, Neese.
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Amen
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Being chosen by Jesus may explain why, according to the gospels, as soon as He said “Follow Me,” they left their nets and followed Him. ❤
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Love this post! I too was once the “creamless of the crop.” And eventually I realized I was chosen. Great feeling. Isn’t it? Thanks, Mitch.
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Yes. The greatest I’ve ever experienced.
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🙏 amen
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Boy, can I relate. Last guy chosen. Thank God that God wanted me.
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Amen, Larry.
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Sweet one, Mitch!
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Thanks, Eva!
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You’re fantastic at communicating “doctrine” in a way that connects in a personal and loving way. This is a great example of that. Thank you.
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And thank you, Todd.
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This just brought tears to my eyes….
Thank you, friend.
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Blessings till it hurts, Matilda.
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I want to tell this story to so many very particular people who do not feel chosen, one is in third grade.
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Perfect.
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Being chosen makes all the difference. Love this message, Mitch! God bless!
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You too, Nancy!
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Great truth we all need to remember and share with those who don’t know it. Being “chosen” by God is a balm for wounded souls.
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Thanks for that enlivening reminder, man. It brings that old phrase to mind, “It doesn’t so much matter WHO you are as WHOSE you are.” So glad I belong to the Living God!
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Me too, Russell!
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Mitch,
Knowing that God has chosen us can put that fire back into whatever we do.
In Chris, Gary
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Exactly, Gary.
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Beautiful message, Mitch.
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Thank you, Nancy.
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I can relate to this — always being the last one chosen when captains picked their teams. I too hit a home run ball over the fence, but unfortunately it was a foul ball 😔 It never happened again in my Little League years. I am thankful for those who helped me find my way; encouraged me to seek other things besides sports. I owe a lot to an English teacher in high school who directed me toward writing and a dear friend who taught me about a personal relationship with Jesus. Thanks for reminding me of the special people in my life who chose to help me.
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Delighted to hear this triggered such positive memories for you, CG.
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You’ve truly touched my heart with this one, Mitch! But then again, so many of your messages do. I am so very thankful that in His mercy, God chose me. I am even more grateful that my eyes were opened, and I turned and chose Him too. Blessings to you and your family.
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Aw, thank you so much, Mary, and blessings to you and yours, as well.
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A beautiful description for how we can “Live Loved” when we recognize we are Chosen by Him. I’m choosing (note clever post reference) special hugs (and now a pointed blog reference) to go out to you for doing so. (Seriously.)
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Aw, thank you, Dawn.
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This is beautiful, Mitch! I watched The Chosen for a 2nd time leading up to Resurrection Sunday. It’s a beautiful thing to be “chosen” by God! BTW, I would’ve totally picked you on my team!
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Awww. Blessings, Karla.
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Thank you, Mitch. And to you!
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