Who is Man? Chosen by God, Not by Effort By Wongelu Woldegiorgis .

Psalm 8:4 asks a question that humbles the soul:
“What is man, that You are mindful of him, and the son of man, that You care for him?”

Man is fragile — like dust in the wind, easily broken, often tempted, here today and gone tomorrow. Yet, in God’s hands, this fragile being becomes a vessel for His glory. The mystery is this: God’s choice is not based on our strength, beauty, or performance. It is His will alone.

When He chooses, no one can stop Him. Not the devil, not people, not even our own reluctance.


Chosen Without Our Choice

The Bible is full of stories of people chosen by God without asking for it:

Abraham – Living among idol worshippers, called to be the father of nations.

Moses – Hiding in the desert, sent to deliver Israel.

Jeremiah – Appointed before birth to be a prophet.

Mary – A village girl chosen to bear the Messiah.

Paul – Persecutor turned apostle.

Cyrus – A pagan king used to free Israel.

God’s choice is not a job application you fill; it is a divine appointment He writes in heaven.


When Human Effort is Zero

Romans 9:16 says:
“So then it is not of him that wills, nor of him that runs, but of God that shows mercy.”

Peter fished all night and caught nothing — until Jesus said, “Cast your net on the right side.”
In a moment, his empty net overflowed.
Without God, effort is empty; with God, even emptiness becomes abundance.


When God Chooses, No One Can Stop Him

Isaiah 14:27 declares:
“The LORD Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart Him?”

God’s will overrides human plans, opposition, and fear.
When He seals your destiny, it is beyond the reach of any enemy.


Our Response

When God chooses you, the best response is Mary’s:
“Be it unto me according to your word.”

Stop trying to earn the call — obey it.

Stop comparing — rejoice in God’s wisdom.

Stop resisting — rest in His plan.

Romans 11:29 reminds us:
“For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.”

If He has chosen you, it is final. His favor is unearned. His purpose is unstoppable.

The real question is: Will you accept His choice and walk in it, or resist and wrestle against it?

Chosen by God – Living Worthy of the Calling

When God chooses a person, it is never because they worked harder, prayed longer, or proved themselves better. The Bible says in Romans 9:16, “It is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy.”

Abraham didn’t apply to be the father of nations. Moses didn’t volunteer to face Pharaoh. Mary didn’t request to carry the Messiah. Paul didn’t ask to be an apostle to the Gentiles. God’s choice is sovereign, free, and unstoppable.

But here is the danger: some people hear “God chose me” and think they can now relax, live carelessly, and do nothing. That’s not the biblical picture. God’s choice is not a license for laziness — it is a call to responsibility.


The Responsibility of the Chosen

Ephesians 4:1 says: “Live a life worthy of the calling you have received.”
Being chosen is like being invited to a royal banquet. You didn’t earn the invitation, but you are expected to come dressed in the royal garments the King provides. Refusing to prepare is dishonoring the King.

Jesus said in John 15:16: “I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit — fruit that will last.”
If we are chosen, we must produce fruit in our lives: good works, transformed character, and service to others.


Grace and Effort Working Together

Philippians 2:12–13 gives us balance:

“God works in you” — that’s His choice and His power.

“Work out your salvation” — that’s our responsibility to obey, grow, and persevere.

Grace is not permission to do nothing. Grace is the power to live differently.


What God Expects from His Chosen People

Obedience – “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15).

Faithfulness – “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).

Endurance – “…run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Hebrews 12:1).

Holiness – “Be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16).


Final Challenge

If God has chosen you:

Be humble — it’s His mercy, not your merit.

Be faithful — His choice is an appointment, not an award.

Be fruitful — the world should see the King through your life.

2 Peter 1:10 says: “Be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.”

God’s choice is the beginning of the journey, not the end. Being chosen is a call to serve, not a license to sleep.

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