In his recent message, Pastor Aaron shared about the importance of ministry to “the least of these,” particularly in the context of our church stepping up to serve young children. The call to action is clear—our church has the opportunity to make a lasting impact by investing in a daycare and preschool ministry. This effort not only serves a tangible need in our community but also aligns with our broader mission to provide a space for children’s ministry. However, stepping into this calling requires faith, especially as we face financial and logistical challenges. It’s a reminder that God calls us into spaces of trust and obedience, even when the path seems uncertain.

Pastor Aaron then shifted to a personal reflection, sharing humorous and relatable moments of failure. These moments—whether it was an awkward conversation, a driving mistake, or the everyday interactions with his kids—illustrated a profound truth: failure is a universal experience. Yet, these failures do not define us. He used these small moments as a bridge to the story of Peter, a disciple who experienced failure after failure, yet was continually called and chosen by Jesus. From stepping out in faith on the water and sinking, to denying Jesus three times, Peter’s journey is one of both great calling and repeated mistakes.

The heart of the message rested in the concept of being chosen. Peter was not a likely candidate for spiritual leadership—he was a fisherman, someone who didn’t make the cut for the religious elite. And yet, Jesus found him, called him, and named him “the rock” upon which the church would be built. Even after Peter’s repeated shortcomings, Jesus continued to reach for him, restoring him and giving him a new purpose. This reflects the reality for all of us: God’s calling is not about our qualifications but about His choice. He chooses us—not because we are perfect, but because He is faithful.

This theme of being chosen is not just a past event but a permanent present reality. Pastor Aaron illustrated this by sharing the story of his son, who once longed for a family and wondered if anyone would choose him. Just as his son was welcomed into a loving home, we are continually chosen by God. The choice is not conditional on our successes or failures; it is rooted in His grace and love. When we understand that we are chosen, we are freed from striving to earn His approval and can instead rest in His commitment to us.

Ultimately, the message was a call to trust. In 1 Peter 1:1-5, we see that our salvation, our inheritance, and our hope are all secured by God’s work—not ours. Our response is simply to trust Him, to hold onto the One who has already taken hold of us. Whether we feel like we’re sinking, returning to old habits, or unsure of our next step, the truth remains: He has chosen us, and He will not let go. Today, we are invited to live in that reality—to trust in His calling, respond to His love, and walk forward knowing that we are securely His.

Discussion Questions

1. Peter’s Journey of Failure and Calling – Peter experienced many failures but was still chosen and restored by Jesus. Can you relate to Peter’s journey? Share a time when you felt like you had failed in your faith or calling. How did you see God’s grace in that situation?
2. Being Chosen by God – Pastor Aaron emphasized that being chosen by God is not based on our merits but on His love and purpose. How does knowing you are permanently chosen by God impact the way you see yourself and your relationship with Him?
3. Trusting God’s Plan – Peter struggled to trust Jesus’ plan, especially when Jesus predicted His death. Are there areas in your life where you struggle to trust God’s direction? What helps you surrender control to Him?
4. God’s Continued Pursuit – Even after denying Jesus, Peter was restored and given a new mission. Have you ever felt distant from God, only to experience His pursuit and restoration? How did that change your faith?
5. Living as the Chosen – Pastor Aaron talked about living in the reality of being chosen rather than striving to earn God’s approval. What are some practical ways we can remind ourselves daily that we are chosen and loved by God?