The Last One Chosen

 "To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus." 
Ephesians 1:1 (ESV)

Were you always the last person chosen for sports teams? I certainly was. 

I was born premature at four pounds, and spent the first eighteen years of my life dealing with low self-confidence. I was always a year behind my classmates, both physically and emotionally, and I was often the last person chosen for any sport.

I never had a date in high school because I was too afraid I'd get rejected. What I've since learned is that I'm not the only one who suffers from self-esteem challenges. Nearly 85% of Americans struggle with low self-esteem, and it’s often because we keep falling into the trap of comparison.

How can you be free from this trap? Freedom comes through discovering that if you're a Christian, you are a saint. It’s not because of your performance, either, but because of your position. 

The word "saint" simply means to be holy; it means to be separated and righteous. It's not a matter of what you do for God; it's a matter of what God has done in you.

If you feel rejected at home or at work tomorrow, remember: "You are not who others think you are. You are not who you think you are. You are who God says you are." When someone overlooks you for a promotion or excludes you from plans, pray: "Lord, you call me your saint. Help me live from that identity today." 

Prayer: Father, thank You for accepting me. In the moments when I feel overlooked or rejected, remind me that my worth comes from being yours, not from others' approval. Thank You for calling me one who is set apart and holy. Help me walk confidently in who you say I am. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.