Chosen by the Best

Jessica

A few days ago, I chanced upon my yearbook from over ten years ago when I graduated from Shanghai Jiao Tong University.  Among my parting words to my friends I wrote: “I cannot choose the Best—the Best has chosen me.”  What was it back then that motivated me to believe that I had been chosen by the Best? 

God seemed like just an idea or a feeling

I was born in atheistic China, but somehow I always felt that there is a God in the universe.  Although I could not see or hear Him, I could feel something in my heart, and I believed that humans could communicate with God.  Often in the hard times in my life I have instinctively cried out to God, asking Him to help me beyond my own efforts.  I can remember that all of the times when I called out to God, He seemed to have answered me!  Deep in my heart I’ve always had an unexplainable respect for God.  I couldn’t shake the feeling that I could get close and rely on Him.  However, I had never seriously sought to know God rationally.  My husband was a devout atheist.  After we came to the U.S., even I thought of going to church to find out more about God, but I always gave up the idea because I did not wish to upset my husband.

An unexpected change of heart
One day an elder from a local Christian church came to my house and shared the Gospel with us.  Before he left, he asked us if we would like to receive Jesus as the Savior of our lives.  What amazed me was that, without hesitation, my husband said “I do!”  With no time for second thoughts, I added, “I do, too!”  I did not know what caused such a great transformation in my husband’s attitude.  But he was willing, so I grabbed the opportunity to get to know God alongside of him.

My husband and I started to go to church to learn more about God.  In the church, we got to know many devoted Christians.  I really wanted to know if the supernatural power that had always taken care of me was actually the God of the Christian faith.  Can this God really accept me and help me?

The Bible says: “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." (John 4:24)

The fist step I took toward God was to open my heart and pray to Him.  Through prayer, I was reassured of God’s acceptance and His love for me.  I cannot remember how many times God granted my prayers, answered my questions and comforted my spirit.  When I prayed for my mother who was hospitalized so far away in China, God revived her several times miraculously from critical conditions.  From the moment I began to pray, I could feel God’s power and love flowing into my heart.  Then I knew that He was the God who had always helped me and loved me.

God had always taken care of me
Our family went to China for a ten-day vacation.  When I came back to work, I found out that a circuit I had designed before I left had been changed by a colleague on my team.  I could not accept the changes he had made.  I felt that if I did, it would prove that my initial design was wrong!   I had to prove that I was right on this.  I prayed that God would let me win in this matter.  The strange thing was—God did not grant me my wish!  Instead, He told me again and again to be humble, loving and accepting.

I could not do it!  I wanted to follow God, but this matter concerned my own reputation and credibility.  I was sure that God would understand.  So I continued to insist on my original design.  I sent emails at work to state my reasons for insisting.    I also tried to argue and show my colleague’s mistakes.  For over two weeks I was exhausted by the pressure at work and conflict with my collegue.  I could not feel God’s presence and had neither peace nor strength.  I felt so powerless and helpless!  Why was God abandoning me now when I really needed his help?

God always has my best interests at heart

One day, I felt miserable and started to cry and pray.  I asked God to forgive my arrogance and lead me out of this conflict struggle.   I was willing to totally submit to God’s will.  After I prayed in tears, the next morning when I was getting ready for work, I suddenly felt God’s presence with me again!  Though I was going to face the same work and the same people, to deal with the same unresolved conflict,  there was an peace and strength in my heart.  Suddenly, all the pressure seemed so trivial—I clearly sensed that God was going to lead me out of this struggle and distress.  At that time I ran into the bedroom overjoyed and told my husband, “God is with me again!” 

Looking back on the path I have walked, every step seemed to be God’s providence and protection.  Though I did not know God when I was young, yet I often instinctively cried out for His help.  Every time he answered my cry I would say to God, full of thanksgiving, “Yes, just like this!  When I cry out to You, please do not abandon me!”  When I first came to know God, each time He heard my prayer I would joyfully plea to Him, “Yes, just like this!  Please be my help in times of need and be the comfort of my spirit!” 

Every time I would say to God “Yes, just like this”, it was because I felt that God’s grace was already beyond my expectations.  Yet God’s love and His guidance in my life never stayed at the same level of my satisfaction—He actually continues to lead me onto even better paths!

The Best has chosen me

I remember again what I had written myself on my graduation yearbook, “I cannot choose the Best—the Best has chosen me.”  This quote is a perfect depiction of my life—for God has already planned the best for me!  I will thank my God forever!

Dear friends, maybe you are losing control in your life, feeling helpless, hopeless, or insecure. You can have the peace that comes directly from God, by you appreciating and realizing what God has planned for you.  Every single one of us can build that intimate relationship with God.  Through the salvation made possible by Jesus Christ, you can experience God’s wonderful grace that will care for you and guide you for a lifetime.

The God of Peace is only one prayer away. If you want the confident expectation of His strength and wisdom in your life today and His help and hope for your tomorrow, you need only ask. Just tell Him…

Dear God,
I have gone my own way in life and have put my hope in so many things that have disappointed me. Forgive me and come into my life today. Show me how to live in the confident expectation of how You can impact my life, my character and my circumstances. I place my hope in You right now and ask You to make Yourself known to me in my life right where I walk. I thank you. Amen.

"May the God of Peace fill you with all joy and peace, as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." The Bible: Romans 15:13

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