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You didn't choose him — he chose you. Now choose to grow.
Before you ever reached out to God, he reached out to you. Jesus told his disciples: “You did not choose me, but I chose you.” That truth is both humbling and empowering — and it comes with a call. The question isn't whether God has a purpose for your life. He does. The question is whether you're willing to grow into it. This week kicks off our new series, Choose, with four key decisions every believer must make to grow in God.
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✦ 5-Day devotional
This Week's Devotional
Go deeper with Sunday's message — one day at a time, Monday through Friday.
Choose Series — Week 1
Choosing Growth
Based on John 15:16 & 2 Peter 3:18 — four decisions every believer must make to grow in God.
John 15:16
Reflection
Growth begins with understanding your foundation. Before you ever sought God, he sought you. You aren't trying to earn your way into his purpose — you were appointed to it. That means you start from a place of security, not striving.
Apply it
Write down one area of your life where you've been striving in your own strength. Surrender it today, and remind yourself: he chose you. Your job is to bear fruit, not earn favor.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for choosing me before I ever chose you. Help me to rest in that truth today and walk in the purpose you've appointed for my life. Amen.
Matthew 5:6
Reflection
If you feel empty, it's often because you haven't been feeding yourself spiritually. Comfort keeps us in routine; hunger pushes us into transformation. The enemy's greatest weapon isn't to make you hate God — it's to keep you so full of distractions that there's no room left for him.
Apply it
Identify one distraction that has been crowding out your time with God this week. Trade 15 minutes of that today for time in the Word or prayer.
Prayer
God, stir a hunger in me that can't be satisfied by anything this world offers. Clear out what's filling the space that belongs to you. I want more of you. Amen.
1 Timothy 4:7
Reflection
Feelings are unreliable. Discipline is dependable. The days you least feel like praying or reading Scripture are often the days you need it most. The strongest believers aren't the most emotional — they're the most consistent. Depth comes from showing up even when it feels dry.
Apply it
Pick one spiritual habit — morning prayer, a chapter of Scripture, or an evening reflection — and commit to doing it every day this week regardless of how you feel.
Prayer
Father, help me build a life with you that isn't dependent on my mood. Teach me discipline. Let my commitment to you be rooted in who you are, not in how I feel today. Amen.
James 1:22
Reflection
Transformation never happens without obedience. We can agree with Scripture, feel inspired by a message, and still walk away unchanged — because hearing isn't doing. Obedience often costs something: your pride, your comfort, your preferences. But every step of obedience opens a door to deeper faith.
Apply it
Is there something God has been nudging you to do that you've been delaying? Maybe it's forgiving someone, having a hard conversation, or stepping into serving. Take one small step of obedience today.
Prayer
Lord, I don't want to just hear your word — I want to live it. Where I've been slow to act, forgive me. Give me the courage to trust you fully and follow through. Amen.
Hebrews 10:24-25
Reflection
Spiritual growth was never designed to happen in isolation. When we pull away from community, we lose encouragement, accountability, and the sharpening that only comes through real relationship. As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. You need people — and people need you.
Apply it
Reach out to one person in your church or small group today. Encourage them, check in, or simply let them know you're glad they're in your life. Then ask yourself: am I truly involved, or just attending?
Prayer
God, thank you for the gift of community. Help me to be open, accountable, and present — not just showing up, but truly investing in others. Use me to encourage someone today. Amen.