12
Mar '19
When You’re Not Chosen
12
Mar '19
And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias . . . (Acts 1:26)
My friend’s Facebook post announced he had finished a project. Others congratulated him, but his post knifed my heart. That project was supposed to be mine. I had been passed over, and I wasn’t sure why.
Poor Joseph. He was passed over by God, and he knew why. Joseph was one of two men in the running to replace Judas. The disciples prayed, “Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen” (Acts 1:24). God chose the other guy. Then He announced His decision to the group, when “the lot fell to Matthias” (v. 26).
As the disciples congratulated Matthias, I wonder about Joseph. How did he handle his rejection? Did he feel jilted, wallow in self-pity, and distance himself from the others? Or did he trust God and cheerfully remain in a supportive role?
I know which option is best. And I know which option I’d want to take. How embarrassing! If you don’t want me, fine. Let’s see how you do without me. That choice might feel better, but only because it’s selfish.
Joseph isn’t mentioned again in Scripture, so we don’t know how he reacted. More relevant is how we respond when we’re not chosen. May we remember that Jesus’s kingdom matters more than our success, and may we joyfully serve in whatever role He selects.
How do you feel when you’re not chosen or are left out? How could your attitude be hindering you from seeing God’s direction for your life?
This devotion blessed me. We have all dealt with some form of rejection at one point or another in our lives but as today’s devotion asks, how could your attitude hinder you from seeing God’s direction for your life. May this be your hearts cry, Father, as long as I can serve in Your kingdom, it doesn’t matter how or where. Sometimes God will bypass what you hope for to give you what you really need, don’t feel rejected but embraced by God.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is 2 Corinthians 1:3-4