When You’re Not Chosen
"Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias."
Acts 1:26
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, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have 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.
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, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have 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.
Today's Reflection
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?
Sometimes we won't be chosen for certain things, but God chooses us and runs after us every single day and sometimes when our "earthy successes" pass by we loose sight of what's truly important. This portion of the scripture is important because sometimes the Lord doesn't choose us for one thing because he has something more suiting for us in store. “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen” (Acts 1:24) Sometimes I find myself mad if I am not doing the one thing I truly wanted to do, but I end up looking back years later and seeing that He had a plan the entire time.
ReplyDeleteRejection is always hard, whether it is real or perceived. I tell my students to be open to new opportunities and when asked to be a part of something, to say yes. This often leads to increased opportunities and ways to serve God. However, its not always so easy, sometimes when you are willing to help, your help is refused. It can hurt, but I am with Holly, because when I think back on my life, so far everything has worked out wonderfully and in God's time, not my own.
ReplyDeleteI am always of the mindset that offense can never be given, it can only be taken. What am I doing that is causing me to be angry about any given decision? Easier said than done of course!
ReplyDeleteWe recently had auditions for the summer musical. Not everyone was chosen. It causes such grief and self doubt with the students. It's a lesson all of us have to learn and re-learn as the years go on.
ReplyDeleteWhen God closes a door...He will open another avenue to glorify Him by those opportunities. In the heat of battle those doors closing hurt, but looking back they have all been the best things that could have happened in my life. How God know this is so awesome and powerful. Most of the time it is the realigning of God in my life that tends to happen when those doors close. Lord show me the way!
ReplyDelete