"Many are called but few are chosen."  Most of us have read this scripture at one time or another.  I had heard preachers early on try and explain it before, but it still never really made good sense to me. Then a few years ago I heard the true story of a young man who was critically injured in a car accident and had been brought to a hospital.  He had experienced severe trauma to his head and was not expected to live.  His parents were pastors and spread the news for people to pray. 

        That night Jesus appeared to the young man in his hospital room.  They spoke together for a while and before Jesus left, He healed and restored this very thankful and humbled high-school student miraculously.  Now even though the story was amazing and caused me to rejoice for him and his family, I was so grateful for the rest of the story, as it answered a long-standing question of mine:

    This astute young man, though still traumatized, had the presence of mind to ask Jesus this question:  “Jesus, what did You mean when You said, “Many are called buy few are chosen”?  In response to the young man’s question, Jesus posed another one:  “Son, when the football coach issued the call at the beginning of the school year for all interested in joining the football team to come to try-outs, who is the call for?”  “It goes out to the whole school, Sir,” he answered.  “And who does the coach choose of those who answer the call?”  “I guess the ones who prepare themselves,” he said.  “Exactly.  The ones chosen are the ones who have prepared themselves.”

     I loved that answer!  Wow!  We have a saying at Faith Mountain, “Separation plus preparation brings acceleration.”  Simply put that means that when we take the time to separate ourselves from certain activities and “busyness”, and choose instead to pour ourselves into things that build us up and prepare us for our next level with God, then when it is time, He can use us. 

Preparing ourselves is crucial, yet it may be difficult to do this in the midst of our usual daily routines and busy schedules. Take the time to separate yourself.  Perhaps a few extra hours each day, or even a period of time away.  Ask the Holy Spirit to help you sort out your schedule and prioritize.  Spend extra time alone with Him in His Word and in prayer.  Let Him fill you up so He can pour you out.

Remember, to reach your destiny it will cost you everything!  This is so exciting, for nothing can compare to what He has for you!  Nothing!  No life on this earth can beat the amazingly rewarding, rich, full, extremely blessed and highly favored life He has planned for you!  So get it together and take the time necessary to press in and separate yourself and prepare for what He has for you!  Not only are you called, but He has chosen you to “go and bear much fruit that your Heavenly Father will be glorified”!  Are you preparing yourself? Get alone with God today with paper and pen and start rearranging that schedule.  You will NOT be disappointed.

One last point that has helped me:  Coach Tom Laundry of the Dallas Cowboys told his players that setting the goal wasn’t the main thing.  It was just the first thing.  But making a plan to reach that goal and then sticking with that plan was the main thing!  And as you take each step, remember Who is there backing you up all the way!  And He’ll strengthen you and empower you to win every time as you step out and put action to your faith.