Adopted and Loved
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 to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will. Ephesians 1:4-5
It was just a little over three years ago that fourteen families gathered in a small conference room in a Chinese orphanage and experienced something that changed their lives forever. That was the day our daughter, a Chinese orphan, was placed in our arms. This child was predestined to be our daughter before the creation of the world.
Adoption has touched our lives, as well as the lives of many others. We have two biological boys and two girls that were adopted internationally. We are currently waiting to travel to bring home our fifth child, a two-year-old little boy with special needs who is waiting for us in China. To say that adoption has changed our lives is an understatement.
Paul, the writer of Ephesians, tells us that in love we are predestined to be adopted into the family of God through Jesus Christ. How wonderful it feels to be part of a family!
While our girls were adopted into our family, our love for them is unwavering. We love them no differently than the two children that were born into our family. Adoption has taught me how to love deeply. It has caused me to consider the love of our heavenly Father and His love for us.
We are adopted into the family of Christ when we become His followers. While I love my children who were adopted, it pales in comparison to the love that the Father has for me. I was adopted into His family as His daughter. He loved me and created me for His pleasure. His love for us is so much greater than our love for others. We are the apples of His eye. Without Him, we are alone like the millions of orphans in this world. His love for His children is immeasurable. He loves us so much more than we know. For this, I am thankful.
Thank You, Father, for loving us and adopting us into Your family. Thank You for sending Your Son to die for our sins to allow us to be a part of Your family. Father, I love You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
