Chosen by God: Finding Grace When You Feel Unworthy

Figure 1: An image symbolizing God's love and grace
Note: An image designed from the prompt -Create an image symbolizing God’s unconditional love and grace. It should depict a serene and uplifting scene where a person stands in a peaceful landscape, hands raised toward the sky, surrounded by soft light that represents God's divine presence. The background could feature soft clouds, rays of light breaking through, and a feeling of warmth and acceptance. The overall mood should evoke peace, grace, and a sense of being chosen and loved.


“I love you, my child, and there is nothing you would ever do that would make me love you less.”

These were God's words to me this morning.

Stop me if you've heard this one before: You feel like you've missed the mark. Again. That familiar wave of shame crashes over you, making you question everything. You might even start hating yourself, feeling completely unworthy of being associated with God. I know, because I’ve been there.

But here’s the truth – it’s in these very moments, when you feel the furthest from God, that He wants you to draw closer to Him. It’s in these moments He reminds me, over and over again, that His love is not based on my performance but on His unchanging grace.

God’s Love for the Broken

When I mess up, the temptation to hide in my shame feels overwhelming. But God gently reminds me that He didn’t come for the righteous – He came for those of us still stumbling, still trying to consciously live for Him, even when we fall short. It’s in these moments of imperfection that He reminds me of a profound truth: I didn’t choose Him; He chose me.

"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 (Easy English Bible)

I think about that often. How God knew all of my weaknesses, my struggles, and my failures, and yet, He still chose me. Even while I was a sinner, He had already died for me. He called me by my name, and I am His. That kind of love goes beyond what I can fully understand.

What manner of love is this – that someone would lay down their life for their friends? He loves me, even when I can’t explain why. He loves you too, even in your mess. Even when you feel far from worthy.

The Weight of Guilt – And How to Overcome It

If you’re anything like me, the guilt of missing the mark can weigh heavy. Especially if you are one who openly professes Jesus and His Power.

It’s easy to dwell on our mistakes, replaying them over and over in our minds. But God calls us to something higher. He doesn’t want us stuck in the cycle of guilt – He wants us to grow. He wants us to make efforts towards being better, trusting that His grace is sufficient.

Yes, God detests sin, but He loves you so much more.

Instead of fixating on your guilt, focus on moving forward. Keep making those efforts. Keep showing up. Keep growing. God’s grace is there to cover your imperfections and give you the strength to rise again.

Scripture and Grace: A Gentle Reminder

"For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again..."
— Proverbs 24:16

We are not perfect, and we will stumble along the way. But God, in His infinite wisdom, knew that. His grace is designed for moments like this – for the moments when we fall, dust ourselves off, and keep going. Every time we rise, we reflect His strength in our weakness.

Steps to Draw Closer to God Even When You Feel Unworthy

Here are some simple ways to remind yourself of God’s love and draw closer to Him, even in moments of doubt and shame:

  1. Embrace Grace: Each day, remind yourself that God’s grace is a gift you can’t earn. Accept it.
  2. Pray Honestly: Don’t hide your failures. Pour them out to God, knowing He listens and doesn’t judge.
  3. Read Scripture Regularly: Meditate on verses that speak of God’s unconditional love, will for us and power, like John 15:16.
  4. Lean on Community: Talk to a trusted friend or spiritual leader about your struggles. Let them remind you of God's grace.

FAQs: Answering Your Questions About Being Chosen by God

1. What if I keep falling short despite my efforts?

It’s important to remember that God’s love and grace aren’t dependent on your performance. Everyone falls short at some point. God doesn’t expect perfection, but He desires a heart that seeks after Him. The key is to keep striving to grow, acknowledging your mistakes, and trusting that His grace will carry you through each stumble.

2. How can I believe God loves me when I feel so unworthy?

Feeling unworthy is a common struggle, but God’s love is not based on our worthiness – it’s based on His character. In Romans 5:8, it says, “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This shows that God loved us even before we were aware of Him. He loves us in our brokenness and chooses us despite our shortcomings.

3. How can I stop feeling guilty for my past sins?

Guilt is a natural response to sin, but it shouldn’t define you. Once you’ve asked for forgiveness, trust that God has wiped the slate clean. 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Instead of dwelling on the past, focus on growing and becoming the person God is calling you to be.

4. Can I ever truly be forgiven if I keep falling into the same sin?

God’s forgiveness is infinite, and His grace is meant to cover even our repeated failings. That said, it’s important to genuinely repent and seek ways to overcome those recurring sins. Don’t give up on yourself because God hasn’t given up on you. Seek accountability and rely on the Holy Spirit to help you break free from cycles of sin.

5. Why would God choose someone like me?

God doesn’t choose based on human standards of worthiness. He sees potential where others see flaws. 1 Corinthians 1:27 says, “God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” He chooses you because He loves you, not because of what you can or can’t do. He has a unique purpose for your life, even if you can’t see it right now.

Share Your Story

I’m not alone in feeling unworthy, and neither are you. Have you ever felt like you’ve missed the mark too many times? How did you find your way back to God? I’d love to hear your story in the comments below.

By sharing our experiences, we remind each other that we’re not alone – that God’s love is bigger than our failures.

Conclusion: Grace Greater Than Our Failures

No matter how many times we fall, God’s love is there to catch us. He chose us, not because we are perfect, but because His grace is sufficient even in our weakness. The next time you find yourself in a place of shame, remember: it’s not about how many times you’ve fallen, but about how often you reach for God’s hand to rise again.

If this post encouraged you, share it with a friend who might need to hear these words today. And if you’re looking for more spiritual reflections like this, make sure to sign up for our weekly newsletter.


Love.

Kora.

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