God's choice

I will have compassion on the house of Judah. I, the Lord their God, will save them; I will not save them by bow, or by sword, or by war, or by horses, or by horsemen. ~ Hosea 1:7 (CEB)

So God will choose the one to whom he decides to show mercy; his choice does not depend on what people want or try to do. ~ Romans 9:16 (NCV)

Lord God, you are full of compassion and mercy -- and you're not afraid to exercise it. And you are unconventional. You don't make your decisions based on the good efforts of people. You don't even defeat enemies in the same way that we try to defeat them. Thank you for being so different.  Although, I feel a little bit insecure about different. I like the familiar way of destroying enemies. Help me to change. Fill me with your mercy and compassion. I want to faithfully reflect your character -- the character that you are implanting in me. Amen.