Morning Devotional 110725 Chosen by God

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

November 7, 2025 

Isaiah 41:9-13

9 you whom I took from the ends of the earth and called from its farthest corners, saying to you, “You are my servant; I chose you and didn’t reject you”: 10 Don’t fear, because I am with you; don’t be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will surely help you; I will hold you with my righteous strong hand. 11 All who rage against you will be shamed and disgraced. Those who contend with you will be as nothing and will perish. 12 You will look for your opponents, and won’t find them. Those who fight you will be of no account and will die. 13 I am the LORD your God, who grasps your strong hand, who says to you, Don’t fear; I will help you.

Good Morning! Do not fear, God is with us!

God does not reject us; God chooses us! When I shop for fresh produce, I carefully inspect the fruit or vegetables to check for ripeness, bruising, and blemishes. Of course, the appearance of the produce is also important. When I see a brightly colored apple, I am more likely to choose it over one that is less visually appealing. Another consideration is firmness. If I’m looking for celery, I want the stalks to be rigid, not limp. 

Imagine if God used my criteria for choosing produce to select us. I’m afraid that most of us would be left sitting on the grocery counter along with the other rejects. Eventually, we would be placed on the markdown rack or tossed away. 

The Good News is that God looks into our hearts and souls and offers all love and grace. For all who listen, God invites us to come. Despite our bumps, bruises, and blemishes, God reaches out and picks us. Instead of sitting on the reject table, we sit at God’s table, receiving abundant blessings. 

God speaking through Isaiah says, “Do not fear, I am with you. O be not dismayed. For I am your God and will still give thee aid. I’ll strengthen thee and help thee, and cause thee to stand. Upheld by God’s righteous, omnipotent hand.”

Loving Lord, you bless us abundantly! Thank you for choosing us. What the builders reject, you choose as your cornerstone. Thank you. We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: Invite God to fill your heart with love.

Do not fear! God is with us! Pastor Liz