HIDDEN BUT CHOSEN

When I was a child in kindergarten, my teachers would always ask for volunteers to assist with different tasks in the classroom. One of the regular roles was leading the lineup of students out of the classroom to the yard for recess. I remember watching my friends standing on their tippy toes with their hands raised high saying, “Pick me! Pick me!” My hand would be raised halfway with a lot less enthusiasm as if to say, “Don’t pick me! Don’t pick me!” because I was comfortable with working on tasks in the background. Although I tried to remain hidden shying away from many of the leadership opportunities, there were moments when the teacher would look over the sea of raised hands and say, “Alright Caleen, it’s your turn to lead.”

David is a perfect example of someone who was hidden but chosen. While he was busy working in the field tending to his father’s sheep, Jesse presented his brothers before Samuel with the hopes of one of them being selected as King. As Samuel evaluated the sons, God had to quickly teach him a lesson about his divine selection process: “…Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” - 1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV). David was working in the field, hidden, and uninvited to the party; but God saw him and chose him to be anointed as the next King of Israel.

Maybe you have spent many years in the classroom of life with your hand raised halfway, or perhaps you’ve been overlooked, and hidden in the background. Let me encourage you today. Just like David, God hasn’t chosen you based on opinions or human evaluations, He chose you based on His purpose and the beautiful plan he has for your life. As you consider being chosen by God, remember:

You have been chosen to serve through your gifts

^“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” – 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)

You have been chosen to serve in love

^“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh^[a]; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” Galatians 5:13 (NIV)

You have been chosen to serve for God’s glory!

^“If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.” – 1 Peter 4:11 (NIV)

If there’s ever a time you feel disqualified, rejected, or even hidden, be strengthened by the words of Jesus to His disciples: “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). You are Chosen!

Caleen Howard is an Ordained Minister, Author, Conference Speaker, Recording Artist/Songwriter, and the esteemed Lead Pastor of the Evanston Church of God in Evanston, Illinois. With a rich tapestry of experience spanning 30 years, she has dynamically served in diverse leadership capacities. From her role as a Church Planter, to her impactful tenure as Executive Pastor, Regional Music Director, Interim District Overseer, and Member of the COG International Credentialled Women’s Board, Caleen leaves an indelible mark on every role she undertakes. While she tirelessly pours her heart into serving others, she holds her family as the cornerstone of her life, cherishing her role as a devoted mother to three young adult children – Malachi, Caleb, and Jordynn-Renée. In all her endeavors, Pastor Caleen Howard continues to uplift and inspire, making a lasting impression on the hearts of all who encounter her message of hope, love, and empowerment.