We Are All Part of God’s Adopted Family

Posted on Mar 05, 2019 Topic : Inspirational/Devotional, Men's Christian Living, Women's Christian Living
Posted by : Lauren Dungy

God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. Ephesians 1:5 NLT

My husband Tony and I already had three children by 1999, yet we felt God calling us to add another to our family, so we began investigating adoption. The agency we contacted had several pregnant women planning to place their babies for adoption, and they sought Christian homes for these unborn children. Knowing of this need spurred us to ready our family for a little boy.

And we believe with all our heart that God placed Jordan with the perfect family.

When we adopted Jordan, God made clear He brought him into our family for a reason. Shortly after birth, Jordan was diagnosed with a rare neurological condition called CIPA—Congenital Insensitivity to Pain Anhidrosis.

Jordan is missing the gene that enables the pain sensors in nerve endings to signal discomfort to the brain. Jordan would never be able to feel pain. While this might sound like a good thing, it is not. Because he can’t feel discomfort, Jordan has done a lot of damage to his body. He hasn’t learned to avoid sharp objects or hard blows because he doesn’t feel anything. Cuts and the infections that go along with them are commonplace. Sprains, dislocations, broken bones, and fractures happen regularly to him.

He has undergone over 80 surgeries and spent most of his teenage years in a wheelchair or using a walker. But he is thriving. He will graduate from high school this year and he plans to attend a culinary arts school. His spirit is amazing, and he inspires everyone he meets.

Our family was always the best place for him. Tony and I had the resources and unconditional love to give him the time and special attention he needs to survive.

Ephesians 1:5 says, “God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family.” God made a choice to take us in, granting us a new start in the wonderful family of God. The Lord took on the responsibilities of a parent—protecting us, providing for us, nurturing us, and guiding us. When we accept Christ as our Savior we receive all those benefits, along with the eternal life that goes with them. We will forever be indebted to God for His unfailing love, but Paul tells us this adoption is God’s desire. It gives Him joy to bring us into His family, and to be able to love us unconditionally.

If you are struggling today wondering where you belong, I want to remind you that you are right where you’re supposed to be. Sometimes God places us in families that are biological, and other times they’re chosen. But most importantly you are part of His family, chosen by Him before the foundation of the earth.