“Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 1:5 (The Message)
When he arrived in his new home in North America, he weighed far less than the average two-year-old.
Nutritional lack had not only affected his weight, but from head to toe his skin was covered with scabs and lesions.
His undeveloped core muscles caused frequent falls, even from a sitting position. Like some adopted children without well-developed social habits, he allowed his more active older sister to take the often aggressive lead in physical play.
But with wise parenting and skilled medical and psychological care, a mere four months later this little boy had clear skin and a full head of shining black hair.
He ran and played with only the occasional tumble, was learning basic sign language as well as English, and devouring every morsel put on his plate. While he may have scars from his sad past, daily he is learning to be a participant in his new future.
This process is similar to what happens to a person who is adopted into God’s family.
Influences, people, events, even abuse from the past leave scars. But God stands ready to provide all that is necessary to transform us into “new creatures.” We grow healthy by consistently feeding on God’s Word, the Bible. We even learn a new language:
“with singing lips my mouth will praise you” (Psalm 63:5).
The Christian community encourages and often provides both physical and spiritual assistance that we cannot yet provide for ourselves. The Holy Spirit strengthens us so we can
“run and not grow weary, walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31).
Parents are often amused when people discover that their children have been adopted: “But he looks just like his father!” Such is the situation for those of us adopted into the family of God. As time goes on, we adopted children (for such are we all) begin to take on the characteristics of our
Heavenly Father. And we can hardly wait for new brothers and sisters! My heart is full, precious Father. You have loved me so much that you have adopted me into your family before I even realized your love. Thank you.
by Marilyn Ehle
Used by Permission
Further Reading
• They Say I’m Nothing, but I’m Something by Londeka Zondi
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