On Monday morning, I walked into the compound and quickly saw a sea of red school uniforms running to me. Hugs and kisses and at least thirty young Ethiopians vying for my attention and showering me with love overwhelmed me in the best sense possible.
In that moment God whispered, “This is how I feel when you come to Me. I feel so loved when you want to spend time with Me and when you run to be with Me.” Seeing and understanding God’s heart increased my desire to spend time with Him, and run to Him for everything. This experience was a very impactful moment for me.
Amidst all the precious faces, however, I was searching for one. Her name is Tsion, and our story began two and a half years ago. I found Awake and Alive online randomly and was fascinated that an organization sponsoring Ethiopian children was only twenty minutes from me.
I scrolled through all the children’s pictures and stories and didn’t know how I could pick just one. After a few days, I finally chose Tsion. She is one of six children. Her mother has a vision impairment which makes finding work nearly impossible, and her father left the family over two years ago. I am thankful to have met Abebu and Seble, her mother and little sister, when I walked Tsion home from school.
Days later as I was reflecting, God highlighted the moment I saw Tsion among all the other children. I was overcome with emotion when I finally saw her since she is the one I prayed for and supported for so long. The Lord spoke to me again and said, “How you chose Tsion out of the crowd is how I choose you. And your Mom and Dad, best friend, and every other person in this world.”
To know that the King of all kings chooses me is incredible. He chooses you, too.
Whichever season you’re in right now, whether there is newness and growth and you’re flourishing, or maybe things feel like they’re stagnant, drying up, or even dying, just know Jesus chooses you. He sees everything going on, He knows you intimately, and He chooses you in it all.
If it’s summer season for you, run to Jesus with your praises and thanksgiving; keep your eyes on Him. If you’re living in wintertime, run to Jesus with your sorrows and troubles; keep your eyes on Him.
My prayer in every season is that I will run after Jesus and choose Him as He chooses me. I hope you will, too.
