Day #18

DIF Web AdminPrayer & Fasting 2025

First, I want to declare that I am a beautiful daughter of God.

He created me in an amazing way. He has a plan for me on earth. I know that I am chosen not because of what I did, what I own, or even who I am. I am chosen because of His love, His compassion, and the blood that was shed on the cross for me. All my joy, confidence, happiness, and strength have been based on Christ’s foundation. I am chosen and loved even if no one loved me, or no one cared about me.

That is a shortcut that I hope everyone understands about me before reading the following.

I was born into a Christian family but when I was 18 years old, I started to have a personal relationship with God. From that moment, I knew I was chosen.

But what happened after that? What happened after I accepted Jesus as my Saviour? The answer is that I thought I needed to keep making decisions to keep my “chosen” life because I am still a sinner, the world is still so tempting for me.

At Age 20, I was so upset, and disappointed and even hated myself. This is because I kept doing things that God did not like and then repented and kept doing it like a circle. I cried a lot because I knew it was so wrong. It was a time that I could not forgive myself. I was struggling with human love, my job, wanting recognition from others, and even how I looked. It happened for many years and years.

Fortunately, God put a lot of people in my life who reminded me that He loves me so much and He never gives up on me.

When I saw how fruitful and beautiful they were when I interacted with them. I admired how close they were with God through their countenance, actions, and the words from their mouth, and their love for others. I told God that I want this life, the life that is close to Jesus.

I asked God for help. He answered with His words. He wants me to pay more attention to “self-control “and “ discipline” wherever or whenever I am.

I commit to work 8 hours per day. I should not use it for Facebook time or take a longer nap than expected (I love ‘hitting the hay’). I should monitor my mouth with what and how much I say to others in different situations. I need to go to bed early and wake up early so I have personal time with God before going out. And I should not eat a large amount of food when my body does not need that much.

For every single decision I face, with the Holy Spirit that is in me and not of my own strength, I can practice “self-control” and “discipline”.

Living a “self-controlled and disciplined” life may sound like a punishment, but really, it is a blessed life.

Of course, I am on this journey until I see Jesus face to face. Therefore, I know that if I do not give up God will help me to live a beautiful “chosen” life until the day I am face to face with Jesus.

He will call my name, and I will run to Him without any hesitation.

Scripture Reading

Galatians 5:22-23 [NIV]

1 Corinthians 9:27 [ESV]

Titus 2:11-12 [NIV]

Reflection Prompts

How does knowing the identity we have as chosen children of God impact our daily lives and decision-making?