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In today's world, people too often chase superficial and fleeting beauty. Supermodels are everywhere in advertising. Even the computer geeks we see on TV now have six-pack abs - if only that were true! We're bombarded with images of glamour models flaunting their wealth, fancy yachts, perfect lives, and gleaming white teeth.

The world loves a lie, but thinking you have to be like them has ruined a generation that can never measure up. They are never as good as they could be and feel like the underdogs.

Yet, there is a way of the Lord that I find absolutely beautiful. For He loves us just as we are, before we are born, or even conceived. Before we are anything. Before we have teeth and after they are gone. Look at what He told Jeremiah:

(Jeremiah 1:4–5 NKJV) Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations."

Jeremiah was ordained as a prophet before he was born. It was not his choice. In fact, when he was around twenty years old, he didn't even want to be one and tried to talk the Lord out of it:

(Jeremiah 1:6–8 NKJV) Then said I: "Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth." But the LORD said to me: "Do not say, 'I am a youth,' For you shall go to all to whom I send you, And whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of their faces, For I am with you to deliver you," says the LORD.

It is interesting to note that hardly anyone else believed that Jeremiah was a prophet throughout his ministry. Jeremiah faced the constant threat of death. He was arrested, beaten, and put in the stocks for telling the people the word of the Lord. He also spent time in a muddy cistern and prison. The word Pit apparently meant "Prophet in Training" to Jeremiah.

My point is that God's chosen are often not very popular, for people often want one thing while God wants another.

God does not choose us because of our fame or fortune, which, in the twinkling of an eye, will become like dung (1 Corinthians 15:52-53). One day, the world will be spinning as usual. People will be getting married, eating and drinking, and going to and from work. Then, BAM, suddenly you are standing before the Lord Jesus Christ, giving an account for your life here - and you better have something to show Him besides fame and fortune, for He doesn't take American Express. (Matthew 24:38-39).

To some, He will say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant," but to others, He will turn and tell His angels, "Burn this one." What will be the downfall of many is that they plan to change tomorrow, but heaven's gate shut yesterday. Don't let that be you. (Matthew 25:23) (Matthew 13:41-42) (Matthew 7:19) (2 Corinthians 6:2).

The Lord often chooses the least of the least, the under-qualified, the underdogs, to do His work. That's why I am here. I have met people who felt they were too intelligent to believe in God. To that, I say, so be it (Psalm 14:1) (Philippians 2:12). The Apostle Paul said it this way:

(1 Corinthians 1:26–27 NKJV) For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;

Look at some of the people the Lord chose:

Gideon: (Judges 6:15–16 NKJV) So he said to Him, "O my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house." And the LORD said to him, "Surely I will be with you..."

Saul: (1 Samuel 9:21 NKJV) And Saul answered and said, "Am I not a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel, and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? ..."

David: (1 Samuel 16:10–12 NKJV) Thus Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel. And Samuel said to Jesse, "The LORD has not chosen these." And Samuel said to Jesse, "Are all the young men here?" Then he said, "There remains yet the youngest, and there he is, keeping the sheep." And Samuel said to Jesse, "Send and bring him. For we will not sit down till he comes here." So he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, with bright eyes, and good-looking. And the LORD said, "Arise, anoint him; for this is the one!"

Moses: (Exodus 3:10–12 NKJV) ... I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt." But Moses said to God, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?" So He said, "I will certainly be with you ..."

Amos was a shepherd when the Lord called him to go prophesy to the high priest:

Amos: (Amos 7:14–16 NKJV) Then Amos answered, and said to Amaziah: "I was no prophet, Nor was I a son of a prophet, But I was a sheepbreeder And a tender of sycamore fruit. Then the LORD took me as I followed the flock, And the LORD said to me, 'Go, prophesy to My people Israel.' Now therefore, hear the word of the LORD ...'

When the religious elite examined Peter and John, they were amazed (Acts 4:5–6):

Peter and John: (Acts 4:13 NKJV) Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.

The people of Nazareth even found fault with the Lord Jesus Christ:

Jesus Christ: (Mark 6:3–4 NKJV) Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?" So they were offended at Him. But Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house."

If you are saved today, it means that the Lord has drawn your heart to Him, so be thankful (John 6:44). Some will reject His call, while others, like glamorous Pharaoh, double down and become hardened (Exodus 14:8).

The Lord chooses YOU.

You can pray this with me if you like:

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for another day. Help me see myself through Your eyes and know Your love. Please pick me up when I am down. Open my heart and give me a clear vision. I need Your touch today, Lord. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!