His Pleasure to Adopt Us
Your Nightly Prayer for Feb. 19, 2025
by Britt Mooney
TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE
For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love, he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. (Ephesians 1:4-6)
SOMETHING TO PONDER
No one adopts by accident. I know several families—close friends and others—who have chosen to adopt. Every instance came from different reasons and situations. Some couldn’t medically have their own kids, another family member couldn’t take care of their own child, or possibly a simple call to reach out and provide a home and family for a young person who didn’t have one. Or some combination. And they adopted from overseas or right from their own town. But in each case, it was a conscious and intentional choice. Even if someone finds a baby on their doorstep, keeping it requires a full and deliberate commitment. The paperwork alone is insane.
There are three ways to join a family. You can marry into one. You can be born into it. Or you can be adopted. The Bible references all three regarding born-again believers. Paul points out our adoption in Ephesians, and he makes it clear God’s choice in the matter. Before the creation of the world, before he said, “Let there be light,” God thought about each one of us and decided he would adopt us into his eternal family. And not only did he choose us, but it also pleased him to rescue and redeem us. It gives him happiness to make us a part of his heavenly household through Christ.
I’ve been with families when they hear the adoption process is complete and the child legally belongs to them. They weep with great joy and relief the child they longed for is now theirs after months or years of searching, government paperwork, and sacrifice. The result is pleasure and love.
We may feel weak or insignificant at times, but let this truth infuse our hearts. From his great love, he is pleased to choose us and redeem us into his family through Jesus. You make him a happy Father.
YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for intentionally choosing and adopting me into your eternal family. Before the foundation of the world, you knew and loved me, and it pleased you to redeem me through Jesus. Your love is overwhelming, abundant, and unchanging. Help me to rest in the truth I am cherished, secure, and welcomed in your heavenly household. May I live as a joyful and valued child, expressing your love and grace to others. Thank you for being my happy and loving Father.
Amen.
THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON
1. Think of a time when you received something you desperately wanted and waited a long time to get. What did that feel like?
2. Knowing God planned to choose you and waited for you for far longer, what does that tell you about how he values and thinks about you?
3. Knowing how God greatly values you and is pleased to make you part of his family, how should that influence the relationships you have with others in your life?
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Nadasaki
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Originally published Wednesday, 19 February 2025.
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