SUMMARY: Chosen
OVERVIEW: Jephthah’s family rejected him because his mother was a prostitute. Still, God had plans for him, and Jephthah was ready and willing to serve.
BIG IDEA: Focus on your future with God. Don’t let anything negative from your past define you.
KEY VERSE: Judges 11:7 (Jephthah to the elders)
But Jephthah said to them, “Aren’t you the ones who hated me and drove me from my father’s house? Why do you come to me now when you’re in trouble?”
IF GOD WROTE YOU A LETTER
Do not be surprised if you are mocked or ridiculed for a variety of reasons throughout your life. Ignore what you hear. Focus on a different voice. Remember that you are my child. Hold onto the fact that I made you—just as you are—and I have chosen you to follow me. I’ve called you to perform feats of faith that will encourage and inspire others to follow me.
Your past does not define you. You are not responsible for your parent’s choices. You are not limited by what you know or where you grew up. You are my child. I want to be your source of hope, your identity, and your future. I determine what you can and cannot do. All other voices are simply noise. Don’t be discouraged by what others say. Be encouraged that the one voice that matters—my voice—the one that truly makes a difference—knows you, loves you, and calls you to follow me.
NEXT STEP
Is there anything from your past or how others view you that you need to give to God? Anything you need him to carry for you? If so, mention those things in prayer. If not, thank him for protecting you and ask God to help you form a healthy view of yourself and others.
LYRIC VIDEO