Understanding God’s Plan in Simple Terms
Have you ever felt like life is more than just random events, like there’s a bigger reason behind it all? In the Bible, Jesus shares an incredible truth with His disciples. He says, “You did not choose me, but I chose you” (John 15:16). This powerful statement reminds us that God has a plan for each of us. It emphasizes His love, grace, and purpose for our lives. Let’s explore what this means in simple terms.
God’s Initiative: He Makes the First Move
Imagine receiving an invitation to a party you didn’t even know was happening. That’s kind of like what God does for us. He’s the one who reaches out to us first, inviting us into a relationship with Him. In John 15:16, Jesus says that we didn’t choose Him—He chose us. This means that our faith, salvation, and connection to God aren’t about us trying hard to earn them. Instead, they’re about responding to God’s call. Just like how Abraham, Moses, and the disciples were chosen in the Bible, God’s love finds us where we are. It opens the door for us to be part of His story.
God’s Sovereignty: He Has the Ultimate Say
Okay, so what does sovereignty mean? Think of it like this: if life is a movie, God is the director. He’s the one in charge, making sure everything fits into His big plan. When Jesus says, “I chose you,” He’s showing us God’s decisions aren’t based on how good we are. They aren’t based on what we’ve achieved. Instead, His choices are rooted in love and His own perfect plan. It’s comforting to know that we don’t have to be perfect. We don’t have to have it all figured out. God’s ways are higher than ours. He knows what’s best for us.
Grace and Calling: A Gift, Not a Reward
Here’s something amazing: being chosen by God isn’t something we earn—it’s a gift. Grace means getting something wonderful that we don’t deserve. God’s choice to call us into a relationship with Him reflects His boundless love. But it doesn’t stop there. When God calls us, He also gives us a purpose. In John 15:16, Jesus explains that we’re chosen to “go and bear fruit.” This means living in a way that makes a positive and lasting impact. Whether it’s showing kindness, helping others, or growing spiritually, our lives are meant to reflect God’s love and goodness.
Fruitfulness: Living a Life That Matters
Ever wonder what it means to “bear fruit”? Picture a tree full of juicy apples—its purpose is to grow and give. In the same way, when we are connected to God, our lives should produce “fruit” that makes a difference. This can include acts of kindness, sharing hope with others, or simply living with love and integrity. Jesus talks about fruit that “should remain,” meaning the impact we make should have lasting value. It’s important to do good things. We must perform them in a way that directs others toward God’s love and truth.
Prayer and Staying Close to God
Here’s another cool part of being chosen: it comes with a promise. Jesus explains that if we stay close to Him, we can ask God for what we need. To “abide” in Him means staying connected. We can ask God for what we need. God will provide. This doesn’t mean we’ll get everything we want, like winning the lottery or acing every test. It’s more about aligning our prayers with God’s plan. When we stick close to God, our desires and goals start to reflect His purpose. We experience His blessings in ways that truly matter.
Why This Matters for Us
John 15:16 isn’t just a verse—it’s a reminder that our lives have meaning and purpose. It shows us that God’s love is unconditional, and His call invites us to live for something greater than ourselves. Whether you’re helping others, growing in faith, or sharing kindness, you’re living out the purpose God has for you. It also encourages us to stay connected to God through prayer. We should trust Him to guide us every step of the way.
The Big Picture
The phrase “You did not choose me, but I chose you” is beautiful. It reminds us of how God works in our lives. God takes the initiative to reach out to us. He’s in charge of the big plan, and His grace gives us a purpose. When we live lives that bear fruit and stay close to Him, we become part of something eternal and meaningful. So next time you wonder about your purpose, remember—you’ve been chosen for something incredible.
In His Service,
Minister A. Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 