God Chose You on Purpose for Purpose - Encouragement for Today - July 22, 2026
God Chose You on Purpose for Purpose
SHARON JAYNES
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“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.” John 15:16 (NIV)
Have you ever felt invisible? Like your name lingered at the bottom of the list, unspoken and unnoticed, as if you were standing in the background while others were called forward?
Have you ever wondered if you were somehow missed, overlooked in the choosing, forgotten in the moment that mattered?
If so, take heart, dear one. You’re not alone. I’ve been right there with you.
David was there, too, one day when the prophet Samuel was sent by God to anoint the next king of Israel. Samuel's journey led him to Bethlehem, to the house of Jesse. One of Jesse’s sons would be chosen as the king.
Jesse called his boys together, and one by one, they passed before the prophet. Each was strong, capable, and seemingly fit for a crown.
As Samuel looked, God spoke quietly to his heart: Not this one … Not this one … Seven sons stood in the light of expectation, but none was the one God had chosen.
Finally, Samuel asked, “Are these all the sons you have?” And Jesse, almost as if remembering something, replied, “There is still the youngest … He is tending the sheep” (1 Samuel 16:11, NIV).
The youngest.
The overlooked.
The one not even invited to stand in the lineup.
Left in the fields.
Left out of the moment.
Left off the list.
But not left out of God’s plan.
While others saw insignificance, God saw a shepherd’s heart. While others dismissed him, God had already decided. David was called in from the fields — from obscurity into anointing, from hidden places into holy purpose.
Hear this truth that changes everything:
God sees what others overlook.
God chooses what others forget.
You may have been passed over by people, but you are never passed over by God. Jesus says, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you” (John 15:16).
You were chosen on purpose — for a purpose.
So when you hear that subtle, familiar, whispered lie — no one chooses you — recognize it as the enemy’s voice. And answer it with God’s Truth:
I am chosen, not by accident but by intention.
I am dearly loved, not because of my perfection but because of Jesus’ grace.
I am called, not from the crowd but from the heart of God.
I am His.
Dear Father, thank You that I am not forgotten, not overlooked, not unseen. Even when others pass me by, You call me Your own. Help me walk in the quiet confidence of being chosen and dearly loved, and help me lift the eyes of others who feel hidden. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
Every day, women turn to Proverbs 31 Ministries looking for something steady in a world that feels overwhelming. Through resources like Encouragement for Today, the First 5 app, podcasts, and Bible studies, they’re finding biblical Truth that meets them in the middle of real life. But there are still more women searching for a deeper connection with God. That’s why we’re excited about our upcoming First 5 study, 1 & 2 Chronicles: Turning to the King Who Never Turns Away. We’ll send you this study as our thanks for your gift today to help more women know and live the Truth. So request your copy today, and thank you for your partnership.
ENGAGE
To dig deeper into the truth that God chose you on purpose for a great and wonderful purpose, see Sharon’s book Take Hold of the Faith You Long For: Let Go, Move Forward, Live Bold. And to bolster your confidence in Christ and see yourself as God sees you, go to www.sharonjaynes.com to get your FREE download of “70 Common Lies We Tell Ourselves and the Biblical Truths to Replace Them.” The link is right there on the homepage.
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Colossians 3:12, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (NIV).
Ephesians 1:11-12, “In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory” (NIV).
John 15:19, “If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world …” (NIV).
What emotions stir in your heart when you remember you are chosen and deeply loved by God? Share your thoughts in the comments.
© 2026 by Sharon Jaynes. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
