THE phrase “singled out” means “to choose one person or thing from a group for special attention, especially criticism or praise”.

More often, we think of it in a critical or blame form.

I wish to draw our attention to the view that with faith, even if you have been singled out for criticism or blame, there is “One” who still sees you in a better light. 

When things get very difficult, it could feel like you have been singled out for everything that could go wrong.

Perhaps a rare health issue, a terrible loss or bereavement could hurt so bad it gives the feeling you have been singled out by God Himself for hard times.

Some Bible characters went through untold painful experiences and it was indeed the case that they were actually singled out for those experiences. 

For example, the man Job was singled out for some tough tests (Job 1: 8; Job 2: 3).

Yes, God allowed the devil to test poor Job but commanded that his life must not be touched.

At the end of this test, Job was praised and blessed by God.

“And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before” – Job 42: 10. 

Have you gone through difficult times, painful betrayals by close ones or you are currently passing through?

Encourage yourself in faith that you have not been singled out for evil but for ultimate good. 

Go through in good cheer as it is written, “Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification” - Romans 15:2. 

Consider yourself blessed if faced with challenges that suggest you have been singled out for tough experiences.

Isaiah 43 reassures us God is fully aware of your plight and is determined to save you.

Even when people seem to delight in persecuting you, please don’t take a bitter turn but keep in your heart the joy and love of the Lord. 

The examples of people like Joseph in the book of Genesis and many more in the Bible prove that the “singled out” experiences are not always doom and gloom but a privilege and high honour that gives you access to attaining great rewards (eternal). 

Jesus Christ, our ultimate icon of everything good and noble, our Lord and saviour was singled out to demonstrate God’s love for Man unto redemption even before he was born on earth.

He suffered to the point of death, nevertheless He rose again to live forever. 

In fulfilling the purpose He was singled out for, He saved you and I.

Now “… if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you” – Romans 8: 11.

This Spirit is available to you by faith.

Receive Jesus as Lord and saviour today and let Him turn your “singled out” experiences to good purpose. 

PASTOR KOLA TAYO
New Life Church, Cirencester