There’s really nothing better than a good hero story. Well, maybe it’s not your favorite, you may like a good thriller or romance story, but for me, hero stories are the ones that speak to me on a deeper level. In all stories with a hero, there is a person who finds themselves with a calling over their life. They have a past which has prepared their heart for what is to come, and because of that past, they feel a need for something higher. Then there is a catalyst, the moment when our individual gains new power. The radioactive spider bites the hand, the farm boy gains the lightsaber, and the slave girl volunteers to enter the death games. For whatever reason, our heroes are chosen to live for something greater, they are chosen to stand for the world they live in. The same is true in our lives. The world we live in is filled with sin, we are a fallen people. There are things that are happening each day that aren’t right, we use our words to tear each other down and we belittle others if they are not up to the same imaginary standard that we try to achieve. We become so focused on self-image rather than looking at those who are hurting around us, but we have a choice. There is always a choice. We have all been chosen. We have been called to do something higher, we have a purpose and that purpose can change the world.

We have all been chosen for something more.  

You see, we are sons and daughters of a king that loves us so much that he died for each of us. Because of this, we can begin to step into the fact that we have all been chosen, our heritage is the fact that we are the children of God. Galatians 3:26 says, “For in Christ Jesus you are all sons and daughters of God, through faith.” We have been made in his image and this means that we have the God of all things fighting for us, we are in his mighty family. In Ephesians 2:10 it says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which he prepared in advance for us to do.” This verse tells us that the God of the universe chose you. He chose you to do something greater, to build the kingdom and stand for those in need. Just like in every hero story, we feel the calling on our hearts. We feel like there’s something more than simply having a job to pay for food and entertainment, we know that there has got to be more to life than that. There is a passion in our hearts to make an impact in this world; we want to put on the cape and cowl to take back this world that has fallen. The best part is, we have been chosen for something more in life. You have been chosen. All of your past experiences have taught you and prepared you for what is coming next.

The king is in your corner.

Many times we feel like we can’t leave an impact because we feel unequipped or unprepared. It’s hard to believe you’re chosen when you feel like no one believes in you. I’ll never forget back in tenth grade I had to take P.E. This was the worst. I’ve never been an athletic person, I would have rather drawn and written poetry than run on the field, but I had to take this class. I was tall so people in the beginning of the year believed I was a good basketball player, too bad height doesn’t indicate skill. So after that, I was often a last pick on the team sports. That was always the worst feeling. One day we started to play indoor hockey, so it was time to pick teams. I had been through this many times before, so I just leaned against the wall and waited for the agony of waiting for all the first picks to be taken. Then something happened. One of the senior captains, Nate, picked me. He not only picked me, but I was picked first. He asked if I was good at playing goalie, and I of course said sure (yup, straight up lied), but when we played I got into the goal and knew that I couldn’t let Nate down. He believed in me. And you know what, I wasn’t half bad. Our team ended up winning the P.E. championship, sure it wasn’t a huge deal and sure I got my shins beat up pretty good, but someone believed in me and that made all the difference in the world.

I think that when we know someone believes in us, we can do anything. The truth is, God believes in us. Over and over he believes in us. He sent his son to die for us, he gives us hope because he knows what we are capable of. Just like every boxer has a coach in their corner, we have the king of all in our corner. Just like every hero has a guide, we have a king ready to take us on the journey, our hero’s journey. Spider-Man had Uncle Ben, Luke had Obi-Wan, and Katniss had Haymitch. Just like those heroes, we need a guide in our lives. We need to understand that the king is in our corner, so we need to find people that believe in us, so we can step out into our purpose.

We are on a journey.

We are all on a journey. We have been chosen, but our timeline for the completion of our purpose is not on a set timeline. God know all things, but he may not reveal it to you. This is hard, but it allows us to learn how to fully rely on God. For me, I’m on this journey. In the next year I am on the path of graduating and that means figuring out what jobs look like. How does one get freelance writing opportunities? Where do I go to pursue next gen family ministry? All of these thoughts and fears run through my mind, but I have to remember that my hope and trust is in Christ. He will open doors for me just as he will open doors for you. The thing we must hold on to in every situation is that we are chosen. Each of us is unique and has value in the kingdom of heaven, we just have to remember that every hero goes on a journey. You are on a journey, because you have been chosen.

I’ve always loved stories about heroes. I love them because I always wanted to gain some super human power or ability, the truth is, I have been called for something more. We have all been called for more. While we may not gain spider powers or stand up to an empire, we have great power. With this power we have a chance to make an impact, to make a difference for the kingdom. We are chosen because each of us brings something to the table no, we are all unique and we are all necessary. So we need to take up our mantle. Pick up the tools you have been given, because you have been chosen, and you are able to change the lives of others forever.

Step into the heritage of Christ, because you have been chosen with a purpose.

-Joshua Thomas