The Price of Being Chosen by God

What is the price of being chosen by God?

Often, we don’t fully grasp what it means to be chosen by God. It is an enormous privilege, but it is also a tremendous responsibility. To be chosen by God is an honor, but this honor involves a process of preparation and paying a price.

The Idea of Being Chosen by God

We find the idea of being chosen by God at the very beginning of the Old Testament, when first God chose a person – Abraham and then He chose an entire nation – the nation of Israel. God initiated and conducted the choosing by entering a covenant relationship with His chosen ones.

In the New Testament, God calls all who believe in His Son Jesus Christ and have entered a relationship with Him through the atoning sacrifice of our Lord „elect, chosen people, special possession.”

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9)

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The Price of Being Chosen by God 

But what is the price of being chosen by God, and what does this mean? If you talk with Jews referring to the fact that they are a chosen nation, you will notice their reaction is not one of joy and excitement. They have learned through their history that to be chosen by God means paying a high price and experiencing suffering and pain.

Here are 3 important aspects of what it means to be chosen by God.

#1 Chosen to Pay a High Price

Do you know that in the Old Testament, the chosen lambs were the sacrificial lambs? These animals without blemish were selected to be sacrificed and to be burnt on God’s altar. The price for their choosing was their life.

In the same way, God the Father chose His son to be the sacrificial Lamb and the atoning sacrifice for the sins of humanity.

As New Testament believers, we are also not exempt from paying a price to be Christ’s followers. In Luke 9:57-62 we read about several aspects of the cost of following Jesus. It may involve following Jesus to places and people outside our comfort zones and usual routines; it also contains an element of urgency and putting other things on hold.

But the most important principle is not looking back, leaving things, people, and ways we have held dear and have been attached to. Here are the words of Jesus: „No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62)

In Luke 14:26.34 we find further insights about the cost of being a disciple. Jesus explains that being His disciple doesn’t mean an elevated position, permanent bliss, and getting what we want.

On the contrary, He defines the price as giving up everything we have and carrying our cross daily.  (Luke 14:27, 33). This is the highest price possible, but He has the right to require it because He also gave everything for us!

The price to be chosen by God is giving up everything we have and carrying our cross daily.  #Biblestudy #chosen #suffering Share on X

#2 Chosen to Be Tested

Being chosen by God means we will be tested. This is something we should expect and be prepared for. Testing is an essential part of God’s preparation to make us everything He wants us to be and do now and in eternity. God will test our faith, our character, our integrity, and our works.

This is the model we trace from the Old Testament to the New. God tested Abraham by letting him wait for 25 years for the fulfillment of His promise and then asked Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac.

God tested Joseph by letting him be sold as a slave, tempted, thrown into prison, betrayed, and abandoned. He tested the prophet Daniel and his three friends in Babylon if they would stay faithful to Him in the face of glaring death. God tested Job by taking everything he loved and treasured – his children, possessions, and health.

God also tested Israel as a nation numerous times – starting in the desert after the Exodus from Egypt until nowadays. This nation went through periods of inexplicable suffering and destruction. 

Our Lord Jesus Christ also underwent a three-fold test in the desert before He began His public ministry. 

And the list goes on. God’s chosen instruments always undergo testing, not to torture them, but to purify and prepare them for their mission and calling.

God's chosen instruments always undergo testing, aimed at purifying and preparing them for their mission and calling. #suffering #preparaton #calling #Biblestudy Share on X

#3 Chosen to Experience Suffering 

This third aspect of the price of being chosen by God relates to the previous one. Being tested to a large extent means experiencing struggles, suffering, pain, and losses.

We find the explicit correlation between being God’s chosen vessel and undergoing suffering in the account of Paul’s conversion. Here is what the Lord says to Ananias:

 “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” (Acts 9:15-16)

Later, Apostle Paul himself states: „Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.” (Colossians 1:24) 

Experiencing suffering is not aimless, not in vain, not without purpose. It is part of the process that leads to a glorious destiny for which God chose us.

He predestined us to eternal life in His presence and partaking in His glory. This is a mind-blowing concept and something difficult to imagine. We just know this is the only thing that can fill the empty spaces in our hearts forever, so we will never thirst again. (Revelation 7:16)

Learn Why and How God Uses Suffering to Shape Us in DRAW NEAR

You can learn more about why and how God uses pain and hardships to shape us and mature us in my book, “Draw Near: How Painful Experiences Become the Birthplace of Blessings.”

Do you want to draw near to God when you are tempted to pull away amidst painful and traumatic experiences? Do you long for the transformation of your painful story into a story of preparation, empowerment, fruitfulness, and growth?

Let me take you on a journey through 13 painful experiences, showing the precious blessings in each of them.

More Encouragement for You

If you need more resources, encouragement, and comfort when you go through pain, suffering, and shaking, I highly recommend these books. Check them out.

Trusting God in All the Things: 90 Devotions for Finding Peace in Your Every Day by Karen Ehman and Ruth Schwenk

Make Up Your Mind: Unlock Your Thoughts, Transform Your Life by Denise Dubois Pass and Michelle Nietert

Life Can Be Good Again by Lisa Appelo

It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way by Lisa Terkeurst

Hope When Life Unravels: Finding God When It Hurts by Adam Dooley

Restoration Year – a 365 Days Devotional by John Eldredge

All Things New by John Eldredge

Hope for the Hard Days by Sarah Geringer

Lean into Grace by Stacey Pardoe

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Your Turn

Which of these aspects of being chosen by God is new to you? Share in the comments and on social media if you found this article helpful. Thank you!

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Experiencing suffering is part of the process that leads to a glorious destiny for which God chose us.  #Biblestudy #encouragement #chosen Share on X

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