Chosen to Overflow

 

Chosen to Overflow

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last...” — John 15:16

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” — Romans 15:13

We often spend our lives striving to be chosen. As children, we want to be picked first, second, or even third, but we are embarrassed to be picked last. As adults, we want to be chosen by employers, by friends, or by partners. This striving stems from a deep human desire for validation and connection.

In John 15:16, Jesus completely flips this dynamic. He reminds His disciples—and us—that we did not choose Him. He chose us. From before we were even a twinkle in our parents’ eyes, God had a plan for us! Yes, He planned for you, and He planned for me!

1. You Are Hand-Picked

The Greek word Jesus uses for “chose” is eklegomai (ἐκλέγομαι).

Definition: To pick out, select, or hand-choose for oneself.

Insight: This is not a random or accidental selection. God looked at you, knew your flaws, and intentionally picked you out of the crowd to belong to Him. He placed people in your life to plant seeds that would help you grow spiritually if you would so choose.

He is counting on us all to commit to Him, even though He knows we will stumble, fall, and disappoint Him at times. Yet He is always rooting for us to turn away from wickedness and cling to the old rugged cross!

2. Appointed to Produce

Jesus does not just choose you to sit still. He says He “appointed” you. The Greek word here is tithemi (τίθημι).

Definition: To set, place, or establish firmly.

Insight: You are intentionally planted exactly where you are to bear fruit. True spiritual fruit is not temporary success. It is “fruit that lasts”—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and faithfulness rooted firmly in Christ.

Only we can allow the circumstances of life to alter our path. God is always calling us back to follow Him. Even in difficult seasons, He can still produce beautiful fruit through a surrendered heart.

3. Power to Overflow

How do we find the strength to bear this fruit when life drains us? Romans 15:13 gives us the answer. Paul prays that God will fill you so that you may “overflow.” The Greek word is perisseuo (περισσεύω).

Definition: To superabound, exceed the measure, or bubble over.

Insight: God does not give you just enough hope to survive. He wants your life to superabound with His presence. This overflow does not come from your own willpower. It comes by the power of the Holy Spirit living within us.

When you trust in the One who hand-picked (eklegomai) and firmly planted (tithemi) you, His Spirit causes joy and peace to bubble over (perisseuo) into a world desperate for hope.

We can choose to be hope for others, or we can choose to live only for ourselves. I do not see how people choose only themselves. I know from personal experience what a hard and lonely road that can be.

Having God’s Holy Spirit within us and following His lead truly makes life so much better. No, trials and tribulations do not stop. However, we are given an amazing amount of added strength, resilience, wisdom, and peace. For me, I have an attitude of, “God has got me!” I know because we have already been through so much together. He has guided me, carried me, corrected me, and patiently waited for me to catch up.

His love for us never dims!

Reflection

In what areas of your life are you trying to produce fruit using your own strength instead of letting the Holy Spirit overflow through you?

I honestly have to work on discipline in three areas of my life: spirituality, finances, and keeping better track of my time. Growth takes honesty, surrender, and consistency. Thankfully, God walks with us through every step of the process.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for choosing me before I ever chose You. Forgive me for trying to prove my worth through my own striving. Fill me today with all joy and peace as I trust in You. Let Your Holy Spirit overflow in my life so that I can bear fruit that lasts. Help me plant seeds and gently tend the tender young plants in the lives of others. Let people always see You shining through my life. Strengthen me where I am weak, guide me where I am distracted, and remind me daily that Your love never fails.

Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in Heaven,

hallowed be Thy name.

Thy kingdom come,

Thy will be done,

on earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.

Amen.

BELIEVE, OBEY, BE BLESSED. AMEN!

BOBBA 💜

Love, Penny 💛