John 15:16 — You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.
A few years ago, Bri and I went Christmas shopping for the radio station. We started the morning with coffee in hand and a mission in mind. We were going to make a lot of kids’ Christmas mornings brighter.
We both knew it would take hours, and we were ready for it. We mapped out our route, and started a friendly competition: who could spot the best toys at the best prices first?
We moved down the aisles like treasure hunters, testing buttons, reading labels, and shaking boxes just to see if a toy might survive rough little hands. I held up a puzzle and said, “This could be good, but will they like it?”
Bri held up a stuffed animal and declared, “Maybe, but how about this instead?”
By the third store, our carts were overflowing, energies were draining, and our imaginations were fading. We were working hard just to stay intentional for each kid because, still, we wanted to make each child’s Christmas Wish possible.
We pictured kids opening these gifts, surprised and squealing. We remembered the generosity of each and every listener of 88.7 The Cross whose generosity made this possible. It mattered deeply, so we pressed on.
When we came to the end of our day’s labor of love, I stood there in the self-checkout line and a thought struck me. It was something like this.
We were being intentional on behalf of strangers and thinking through each choice with care. If we could do that for people we would never meet, how considerate must God be in choosing us?
John 15:16 came to mind: “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give you.”
God does not pick us at random. He chooses with purpose. He knows us completely and loves us. And just like Jesus says in John 15, He chooses us so that our lives would bear fruit — the kind that lasts.
By the time the final bags were loaded into the car, my feet were sore but my heart felt so full because I hadn’t thought of it quite like that before.
I am Hand-picked. And so are you. I hope you will remember that today.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
- When was the last time you felt truly chosen or seen? How did that change the way you showed up?
- John 15:16 says God chose you with purpose. Where might He be inviting you to bear fruit right now — in your family, workplace, or community?
- How does remembering that you are “hand-picked” challenge the doubts or insecurities you carry?
- What gifts or callings has God placed in your life that are meant to last beyond this season?
- How might believing you are chosen affect the way you treat others today?