In my junior year of college I was chosen by the Atlanta Braves in the ninth round of the MLB Draft. It was one of the most exciting days of my life. Getting chosen by any Major League team is an incredible honor, and I felt like I was really wanted. So I joined their team. 

The Bible tells us that even before the world began God thought of us. Ephesians 1:4 tells us that we were chosen by God to join His team. And because of His unconditional love, we’re all first-rounders! Doesn’t that make you feel wanted?

So, what does a first round draft pick do on God’s team? Well, the challenge we’re given is to live holy and blameless lives. But neither of these actions can be achieved unless we fully surrender our lives to God. We start by believing in Jesus Christ and what He did to remove our sins. When we believe, God no longer sees the sin in us but rather the perfect Jesus in us. 

After five years with the Braves I was called into my coach’s office, told I wasn’t performing at the level I needed to stay on the team and released. My career was over, and my big league dreams died. But after five years on God’s team I was called into His office and I heard Christ say, “I love you. Let’s keep walking together.” As a result, my career is flourishing and I continue to live out my dream every day!

How about you?