In Christ Day 10: I Am Adopted

Have you ever known someone who was adopted? My husband is, and one of my close friends growing up was also adopted. I remember thinking about how amazing it was that their parents got to meet and choose them—knowing them before bringing them home. In contrast, my own parents didn’t have that choice; they were given me, with all my quirks and imperfections, for better or for worse. But my friend Mary’s parents handpicked her, choosing her from all the children they could have brought home.

When a child is adopted, their lives undergo profound changes. Their names, their identities, and most importantly, their sense of belonging are transformed. Adoption signifies that they are wanted, they are loved, and they have a forever home. However, there’s a crucial aspect to this: the child must step into their new identity and accept what has been freely given to them.

Yet, this can be challenging. For instance, my friend Mary struggled with her new identity as an adopted child. She held onto feelings of abandonment, believing she was unwanted, ignored, and forgotten. It’s difficult to let go of the past, even when a bright future is beckoning.

Interestingly, we often find ourselves in the same struggle as followers of Christ. We are adopted into God’s family, accepted as His sons and daughters, and joint heirs with Jesus. Ephesians 1:5 tells us that God “determined in advance that through Yeshua, the Messiah, we would be His sons in keeping with His pleasure and His purpose.” Other translations emphasize that we are predestined for adoption as His legal heirs through Christ.

God had a beautiful plan in mind—to restore mankind out of His immense love for us. He chose you and me to be His children. We are loved, accepted, and secure in Christ. As joint heirs, God has granted us authority and dominion in this world through our relationship with Christ. Yet, how often do we live as if we are still children of the world, unable to grasp the transformative truth of our identity in Christ?

We sometimes cling to our old identities—those voices that tell us we are not enough. But today, let’s embrace our new identity as children of God. Remind yourself: I am adopted. I am a child of God. Let’s step boldly into the truth that we are treasured and valued in our Father’s eyes, ready to live out our calling as beloved sons and daughters of the King.