Made for More
- Jerry and Hope
- Sep 1, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 2, 2025
We live in a culture that constantly invites us to settle—settle for the paycheck, settle for the routine, settle for “good enough.” But God never created us to simply exist. Scripture declares we are made in His image (Genesis 1:26–27), redeemed through His Son (Ephesians 1:7), and filled with His Spirit (Ephesians 3:16–19). That means we are called not to mediocrity, but to mission.
Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that God’s people—even in exile—had a future and a hope. And 1 Peter 2:9 reminds us we are a chosen people called to declare His excellencies.
Point 1 – You Were Chosen for Significance
1 Peter 2:9 – “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession…”
Peter is writing to scattered believers across Asia Minor (1 Peter 1:1). They were marginalized, persecuted, and tempted to blend in with their culture. Peter roots their identity not in Rome’s opinion, but in God’s declaration. The language he uses is drawn directly from Exodus 19:5–6, where God called Israel His “treasured possession” and “kingdom of priests.” Now, in Christ, this promise applies to all believers.
Truth:
Your significance is rooted in God’s choosing, not your circumstances.
You are not just “getting by”—you carry the authority and assignment of heaven as a “royal priesthood.”
A $100 bill doesn’t lose its value when it’s wrinkled or dirty. Likewise, your value doesn’t come from how the world sees you, but from who you belong to.
Application Question:
Are you living as if you are chosen by the Creator of the Universe?
Point 2 – God’s Plans Are Bigger Than Your Past or Present
Text: Jeremiah 29:11 – “…plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Context:
The Jewish exiles in Babylon were in a dark place—removed from their land, stripped of their temple, and living under foreign rule. In Jeremiah 29:4–14, God commands them to build homes, plant gardens, seek the city’s good, and pray for their captors. The “plans” God speaks of weren’t a quick fix—He promised restoration after 70 years. His hope-filled word was meant to sustain faith in the middle of a long season of waiting.
Truth:
God’s plans aren’t canceled by your past.
God’s hope isn’t negated by your present.
Even exile doesn’t erase God’s promises—He redeems, restores, and repositions His people.
When a GPS recalculates after a wrong turn, it doesn’t cancel the destination. In the same way, God redirects your path but never abandons His plan for you.
Application Question:
Are you letting your past define your future, or are you letting God’s promises reshape it?
Point 3 – “More” is Found in Living for God’s Glory
Text: 1 Peter 2:9 – “…that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
Context:
The reason we are chosen is more than a personal calling of sorts—it’s missional calling. God set Israel apart to be a light to the nations (Isaiah 42:6). Now, in Christ, that calling extends to the Church. Our lives are meant to reflect His glory and draw others out of darkness.
Truth:
God’s “more” isn’t about climbing higher ladders of success, but about shining His light in dark places.
Jesus Himself said in Matthew 5:14–16, “You are the light of the world…let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
Listen to this. Eternal significance comes when our “why” is His glory.
A lightbulb is useless unless connected to power. Your gifts, dreams, and talents find their true purpose only when plugged into God’s power and glory.
Application Question:
Are your dreams aligned with God’s glory, or just with personal success?
Conclusion
God made you for more than mediocrity.
You were chosen for significance (1 Peter 2:9).
You are part of God’s bigger plan (Jeremiah 29:11).
You are called to live for His glory, not just your goals (1 Peter 2:9).
Don’t settle for “just enough” when God has placed eternity in your heart (Ecclesiastes 3:11). Take a step of faith today: pray boldly, serve sacrificially, and share your hope in Jesus.