Mark 3:13 (AMP)
“He went up on the hillside and called those whom He Himself wanted and chose; and they came to Him.”
Why Did Jesus Choose Me?
Jesus chooses us not because of our qualifications but because of His grace and divine purpose. His calling often disrupts our lives, requiring us to leave behind what is familiar and step into a new identity.
• John 15:16 (AMP)– “You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and I have appointed and placed and purposefully planted you, so that you would go and bear fruit and keep on bearing, and that your fruit will remain and be lasting.”
• 1 Corinthians 1:26-27 (AMP)– “Just look at your own calling, believers; not many of you were considered wise according to human standards, not many powerful or influential, not many of high and noble birth. But God has selected [for His purpose] the foolish things of the world to shame the wise.”
His call is an invitation to transformation, not convenience.
Why Does Jesus Want Me?
Jesus wants us because we are part of His plan to reach the world. However, accepting His call often means leaving behind a secure, worldly profession, comfort, or personal ambitions.
• Ephesians 1:4-5 (AMP)– “Just as [in His love] He chose us in Christ [actually selected us for Himself as His own] before the foundation of the world, so that we would be holy [that is, consecrated, set apart for Him, purpose-driven] and blameless in His sight.”
• Matthew 4:19-20 (AMP)– “And He said to them, ‘Follow Me [as My disciples, accepting Me as your Master and Teacher and walking the same path of life that I walk], and I will make you fishers of men.’ Immediately they left their nets and followed Him [becoming His disciples, believing and trusting in Him and following His example].”
Like the first disciples, we may be called to leave behind our “nets”—our careers, ambitions, or even relationships—to follow Him.
The Struggle of Letting Go of Our Worldly Profession
Letting go of a profession or identity we’ve built for years can bring emotional turmoil:
1. Fear of the Unknown– “What will happen to my financial stability? My reputation?”
• Isaiah 41:10 (AMP)– “Do not fear [anything], for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, be assured I will help you; I will certainly take hold of you with My righteous right hand.”
2. Feelings of Inadequacy– “Am I truly capable of this calling?”
• Exodus 4:10-12 (AMP)– “Then Moses said to the Lord, ‘Please, Lord, I am not a man of words… for I am slow of speech and tongue.’ The Lord said to him, ‘Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes the mute, or the deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now then go, and I, even I, will be with your mouth, and will teach you what to say.’”
3. Grief Over What Is Left Behind– “I worked so hard to get here. Now I have to leave it?”
• Philippians 3:7-8 (AMP)– “But whatever former things were gains to me, as I thought then, these things [once regarded as advancements in merit] I have come to consider as loss [absolutely worthless] for the sake of Christ.”
4. Opposition from Others– “What will my family and friends say?”
• Matthew 10:37-39 (AMP)– “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me is not worthy of Me.”
How Should We Respond?
1. With Trust– Surrendering requires faith that God has something greater ahead.
• Proverbs 3:5-6 (AMP)– “Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
2. With Obedience– Immediate obedience, like the disciples, is key.
• Luke 9:62 (AMP)– “But Jesus said to him, ‘No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back [to the things left behind] is fit for the kingdom of God.’”
3. With Perseverance– Challenges will come, but we must stay the course.
• Hebrews 12:1 (AMP)– “Let us run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before us.”
How Should I Serve?
God calls us to serve in ways that glorify Him, often in unfamiliar or uncomfortable roles.
• Romans 12:6-8 (AMP)– “Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to use them accordingly.”
• Matthew 20:28 (AMP)– “Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
Your service is an act of worship and obedience.
What Should I Expect?
1. Trials & Testing– Letting go of worldly security is hard, but refining.
• 1 Peter 4:12-13 (AMP)– “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal which is taking place to test you, that is, to test the quality of your faith.”
2. Provision & Miracles– When we follow Him, He provides.
• Matthew 6:33 (AMP)– “But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you also.”
3. Greater Fulfillment– Our calling brings lasting joy.
• John 10:10 (AMP)– “I came that they may have life, and have it in abundance.”
Why Was I Appointed to a Specific Ministry?
God assigns each of us a unique role in His kingdom.
• Ephesians 2:10 (AMP)– “For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared for us beforehand.”
How Should I Represent Christ?
1. With Love– “By this everyone will know that you are My disciples.”(John 13:35)
2. With Integrity– “Let your light shine before men.”(Matthew 5:16)
3. With Boldness– “For I am not ashamed of the gospel.”(Romans 1:16)
How Do We Compare to the 12 Apostles?
Like them, we are called to leave everything behind and follow Jesus.
• Matthew 19:27-29 (AMP)– “Then Peter answered Him, saying, ‘Look, we have given up everything and followed You [becoming Your disciples and accepting You as Teacher and Lord]; what then will there be for us?’”
The apostles’ sacrifice reminds us that the cost of following Jesus is great—but the reward is far greater.
Final Encouragement
The struggle is real, but Jesus is worth it. He chose you, He is with you, and He will sustain you.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:24 (AMP)– “Faithful and absolutely trustworthy is He who is calling you, and He will do it [fulfill His call by making you holy and protecting you as His own].”
Let go of what holds you back and follow Him boldly!
