Kristen Grossman Prose

When the email arrived last week from our daughter’s top college choice, she was greeted with these coveted words, “Accepted with Distinction.” The harrowing process of standardized test-taking, application completing, recommendation procuring, and essay writing resulted in a goal achieved. It is a great feeling to celebrate with our daughter as she enjoys the benefits of her hard work in high school and looks forward to embarking on the next chapter of her life’s journey.

As humans, we each have a God-given desire for love, acceptance, and belonging. We may not often receive printed confirmation, in black and white, of our acceptance. Our being chosen. Our being wanted. And yet, since the beginning of time, before each of us came to be, we were wanted. We were accepted. We were loved.

 “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.” John 15:16 (NIV)

When Jesus spoke these words, he was speaking to his disciples. Jesus had just finished sharing with them the illustration of the vine and the branches. In this illustration, Jesus is the vine, and his faithful followers are the branches that bear fruit. A few chapters earlier, in John 6, Jesus had pointed out that there is no way to the Father except through faith in Jesus Christ. Furthermore, it is the Father Himself who draws us to Christ.

 “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day.” John 6:44 (NIV)

John 6:44 tells me that we, as Christ’s followers, are doubly wanted and chosen. Those who hear his voice and respond to him are counted among his beloved. And the reason we hear his voice and respond is that God the Father has drawn us to the feet of Jesus to accept his love.

If like me, you are facing a time of transition, it may be challenging to know what lies ahead for the next phase of your journey. Unlike high school graduations, other times of transition don’t come with logical next steps. We may not send off an application and receive a shiny letter proclaiming, “You are accepted. You are wanted. You belong right here.”

Times of transition can leave me wondering where it is that I belong. While waiting for God’s plan for me to be revealed, I may wonder where it is that I will find true purpose. When skills that have served me well over the years begin to feel obsolete, I may wonder if I even have something to give.

At these times, I can pull out my Bible. There I find the words that Jesus spoke not only to the disciples who were physically gathered around him but also to those today who seek to follow and honor him. As chosen and appointed, I can rest in the assurance that I am accepted. I belong. I am loved. As such, God has a plan for me to bear fruit. As sons and daughters of Christ, you and I are “accepted with distinction.”

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the reassurance that through You we are loved, we are chosen, we are accepted. Amen.