Faith and Family

HE PICKED ME

by Donna Whartenby

One frigid, dreary night in March, he made me overlook the long, cold winter. As I sat on his sofa, Keith got down on his knee. Somewhat surprised because it took almost nine years for this day to take place, he asked for my hand in marriage. He “picked me” to be his wife! Inside I rejoiced! I knew God led me down this prolonged path to be “picked” and loved by Keith.

Six hectic months later, on that beautiful but hot September day, God was there to hear us say those sacred vows. The beautiful stained-glass colors overhead radiated God’s light and blessing. After standing on jittery legs professing our love, Keith exclaimed, running down the church steps, dodging handfuls of sunflower seeds, that he was the “luckiest man on earth”! Then, with a sparkle in his eye, he continued, saying it was “the happiest day of his life”! He picked me to love him the rest of our lives. He picked me to stand by his side for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health. God stood next to us to bless us on that glorious day!

Almost 40 years later, God still stands by as Keith reminds me daily of his unwavering love. Holding hands as we walk together implies he doesn’t want me to go far. His quick goodbye kiss reveals he will try to hurry back. Helping me with mundane tasks such as laundry and vacuuming is a surefire reason to love him. Rising quietly in the early morning without waking me is a sign of his unrelenting love for me. He makes it a point to kiss me “goodnight” every night as a constant reminder of his loving dedication. God directs us to love each other more every day. I am confident God nudges Keith into hugging me on those not so happy-golucky days. God picked me to marry Keith ‘til death do us part’. Some days, Keith comes menacingly close to that final vow!

God picked me when He whispered in my ear to love and trust Him. Ephesians 1:4 explains we are His chosen; loved even before we believed in Him and in Christ’s salvation. God picked me to love and trust Keith with all my being. God picked us to share grandparent responsibilities with overwhelming joy, gratified with every young hug. God picked us to be caretakers of our ailing parents. He was by our side when we said our tearful final farewells.

1 Thessalonians 1:4 (NIV) declares: “For we know, brothers and sisters, loved by God, that he has chosen you.” Sisters, you are loved because Abba Father “picked” you, too. As His chosen, Jehovah Jireh, our Provider, is always there, even when we are unaware of His presence. Isaiah 43:10 (NASB) asserts: “You are my witnesses, declares the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am He.’” God boldly claims, “I chose you to know and believe me.”

When you have doubts about who you are, or question if you will be “picked” for the next whatever, be confident in knowing God loves you. He picked you as His child and He will guide you. Ask God to turn your worry into praise in Him, as well as give you confidence in knowing He is beside you in every situation.

If you have not already done so, develop a relationship with your Heavenly Father. Pray to ask for forgiveness of sin and ask what His will is for your life. You will discover He “picked” you, too!