When You’re Not Chosen

When You’re Not Chosen

Bible: Acts 1:15-26

Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias (V.26).

Reading

My friend posted a video of him training with the school football team. Others congratulated him for getting a place on the team. But his post made me feel rubbish. I hadn’t been picked.

Poor Joseph. He was passed over by God, and he knew why. Joseph was one of two men in the running to replace Judas once Jesus had gone back to heaven. 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 made His decision known to the group, when “the lot fell to Matthias” (V.26).

As everyone congratulated Matthias, I wonder about Joseph. How did he handle his rejection? Did he feel passed over, sit alone in self-pity and distance himself from the others? Or did he trust God and happily remain in a less obvious 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 the Bible, so we don’t know how he reacted. More important is how we respond when we’re not chosen for the things we wanted to do. Let’s remember that Jesus’ plans matter more than ours, and may we readily serve in whatever role He does choose for us.

AS LONG AS WE CAN SERVE IN GOD’S PLANS, IT DOESN’T REALLY MATTER HOW OR WHERE.

Youth Edition – Our Daily Bread Ministries