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October 10, 2011
Adopted |
"The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children." Romans 8:16 (NIV)
We found out in early June that a beautiful gift might be coming to our family. It was something for which my sweet daughter and son-in-law had longed for over three years.
We'll never forget the day they got the news they'd been chosen by a birth mother to receive the gift of her child. A whirlwind erupted as we all came together to create a nursery and buy the necessities. Five days later a perfect little baby boy was born, and Josh and Melissa brought their long awaited, beautiful miracle home.
Walking with them through the adoption process has made me treasure even more these words in Romans 8:15: "For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, Abba, Father." (NKJV)
Initially, we didn't know the baby's name, what he might look like, or what his ethnicity might be. We didn't know how old he would be, or whether he would be a boy or a sweet baby girl. All we knew is that long before my daughter and son-in-law held him in their arms, they loved him.
Now that the gift of this sweet baby being adopted into our family is a reality, his parents are changing diapers and slogging through sleep-deprived nights. It's not easy, but he is so worth every bit of sacrifice they are making.
He's still wanted. Still treasured. Still loved. Still a miracle in every way.
Sometimes we may look at God and wonder if we are a bother. After all, we're a work in progress. We get busy and forget to treasure our times with Him. We promise ourselves we'll grow spiritually, and then lose our temper with a loved one.
Perhaps today you struggle with accepting God's love. Our key verse says you don't have to fear rejection, because you are adopted. God loves you just like Josh and Melissa love their new son, but in a God-like measure.
And, in the same way when our grandchild was adopted, he went to court with his mom and dad, and a judge, who had the authority, pronounced the adoption as official. It was irrevocable.
Did you know God's Word is your authority? Romans 8:14-16 promises that God's love for you is also irrevocable. You are signed, sealed and officially His child. Today, as His adopted child, ask the Holy Spirit to gently remind you one more time of Whose you are and how very loved you are by Him!
Dear Lord, You are my Abba Father! Today I place all fear aside and place my trust in You. I walk into Your arms where I am welcome. Thank You for that marvelous gift, Amen.
Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?
Visit Suzie's blog to download a PDF file with scriptures that remind you that you are God's child.
The Mom I want to be: Rising above Your Past to Give Your Kids a Great Future by T. Suzanne Eller
The Woman I Am Becoming: Embrace the Chase for Faith, Identity, and Destiny by T. Suzanne Eller
When you purchase resources through Proverbs 31 Ministries, you touch eternity because your purchase supports the many areas of hope-giving ministry we provide at no cost. We wish we could, but we simply can't compete with prices offered by huge online warehouses. Therefore, we are extremely grateful for each and every purchase you make with us. Thank you!
Application Steps:
Write down Romans 8:14-16 and place it where you can see it every day. Read it outloud until it becomes anchored in your spirit.
Reflections:
When I feel fear in my relationship with God, perhaps it is because I am putting my trust in feelings, or the words of others. If my Abba Father says I am His, that's the final word. How does that change the way I view my relationship with God?
Power Verses:
2 Corinthians 6:18, "I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty." (NIV)
Galatians 3:26, "So in Jesus Christ you are all children of God through faith." (NIV)
© 2011 by T. Suzanne Eller. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org
Originally published Monday, 10 October 2011.
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