“Before the creation of the world, he chose us through Christ to be holy and perfect in his presence. Because of his love he had already decided to adopt us through Jesus Christ. He freely chose to do this so that the kindness he had given us in his dear Son would be praised and given glory” (Ephesians 1:4-6).
People who are adopted know they were handpicked. Their adoptive families couldn’t help themselves; they were so excited to add another child to their family. They said, “We want them!” and cried for joy when the papers were signed.
Before you were even born, before the world was even created, God handpicked you and me. But sin keeps us out of his family, so God came up with a plan: Jesus.
“God sent him to pay for the freedom of those who were controlled by these laws so that we would be adopted as his children” (Galatians 4:5).
Our adoption papers were signed when Jesus lived a holy and perfect life for us, died for us on a cross, and rose from the dead. We are now part of God’s family, and when he looks at us, he sees holiness and perfection.
When you’re feeling lonely, if you think you don’t belong, remind yourself, “I am God’s child. He picked me!”
Dear Father, thank you for adopting me, for handpicking me. Thank you for bringing me into your family and letting me call you Dad. Amen.
