Handpicked by God
Acts 9:15
"But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:"
Throughout the Scriptures you will read that God chose people to do a work for Him. What is interesting about the Apostle Paul is that He understood that he was a chosen vessel, and he lived like one. Let me remind you that God has made you a chosen vessel.
To be a chosen vessel means several things. First, it means that you were handpicked by God. In other words, God picked you because He liked you for something more than anyone else. I understand that we are sinners saved by the grace of God, but to understand that God handpicked you can help you gain the confidence that God loves you. You may think that you are no one special, but that simply is not true. When God looked on the shelves of life, He saw you among all the other vessels and handpicked you.
Second, it means that God handpicked you because you were the most appropriate to do something for Him. You will notice that God chose Paul to bear His name to the Gentile world. Likewise, God handpicked you because you were the most appropriate choice for a task that He called you to do. Nobody can do that task that you were chosen to do like you can. Certainly, somebody can do your job, but they will never be able to do it like you can.
Let me illustrate. Have you ever worked on something and needed a part or a screw to finish the job but didn't want to go to the store to get that part? I have found myself in that position many times. A while back my riding lawn mower lost a screw that holds the steering wheel in place. Instead of going to the store and getting the right part, I used a plastic tie to tighten the wheel. Yes, it worked, and it keeps the steering wheel from moving around, but it is not as secure as the screws would make it.
When God handpicked you to do a certain job and you don't fulfill that job, you are making God use plastic ties to replace your job. Yes, it will work, but it will not work to the degree that it could if you would do what God handpicked you to do. Don't ever underestimate your importance to God. He handpicked you for a task, and you are the only one who can fulfill that task the best.
Third, it means that you should use your vessel to do what God wants you to do and not what you want to do. Too many Christians soil their vessel with sin, and they hurt their capability to do what God wants them to do. Christian, remember that your body belongs to God. It is a chosen vessel that should only be used for that for which it was made. Don't use your vessel for the world's pleasures, but keep your vessel clean so that God can use it to the greatest capacity.
Being a chosen vessel of God is special. Don't ever forget that God handpicked you for a special task. Find that task and fulfill it. Don't let anything pull you away from what God handpicked you to do. Though others may be able to fill in your task, nobody can do it like you can. Be the vessel that God intended for you to be. Make God proud that He handpicked you by doing what He picked you to do.