There are times when I question if the bible I read is the same one that everyone else in the world seems to be reading. I question whether I take it too literally, or wonder why I have to feel so convicted of things that other people seem to be enjoying freely. Most times, it’s pertaining to a decision that doesn’t seem that bad, but that I know is a response of my flesh. There are plenty of people living their lives and they seem “blessed,” so why is my spirit so convicted about it? Why have my convictions forced me to give up things I thought I wanted, but everyone I know seems to be doing just fine?

Because Dominique…

“You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name.” –John 15:16

“But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.”—1 Peter 2:9

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”—Romans 12:2

My prayer:

Lord, forgive me for being so distracted by what I think I want, that I don’t realize how insignificant my thoughts are to your plan for my life. What you have for me far surpasses anything I could ever imagine desiring! Your sacrifice to pull me out of the world’s darkness is far too great for me to ever, ever, question your authority. Forgive me Lord for not being grateful!

Thank you Father for protecting me from the things I thought I wanted. For closing doors, for ordering my steps, for covering those who cry out to you. In my small minded nature, Lord please soften my heart so I may begin to comprehend even the slightest depths of your love for me. That I will be reminded daily of how far you’ve gone to save me. Lord, that I will begin to understand what it means to be chosen, and not by the world’s standards, but in the ways that you’ve called me. Teach me Lord, and renew my mind. Harden my heart to the things that you hate, and take away my desire for the things that hurt you. Show me how to take on your kind and gentle nature in all parts of my life. Let me think of other’s first and how you are using me to bring them to your name. Let me be reminded minute by minute, that my life is not mine Lord.

I pray your strength, peace, and grace over my endurance this week. That I will commit myself to the promise, while refusing to grow weary in doing good. When the world thinks I’m crazy, I know you’ve chosen me for more—I am forever indebted to you.

I love you,

Amen

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.”—Romans 8:28-30