“…just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will…” Ephesians 1:4-5 (NKJV)

The very foundation of who we are as Christians is the fact that we were chosen by God. The idea that we are adopted into His family is profound to me.

Shortly after my salvation I stumbled upon a verse in Psalms. Chapter 27, verse 10 says, “When my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will take care of me.” I clung to that verse like a lifeline. I thought of it at my wedding, at the birth of my children, when my youngest son fell gravely ill. I’ve considered it every time I have had a challenge or trial; the kind that my parents should have been there to see me through.

It wasn’t until fairly recently when I identified my pity-parties for what they really were. 1. Resentment and 2. a failure on my part to put God in His proper spot as my Father. Humans are just that – human (in addition to being sinners). Looking back on those events in my life – the happy ones, the horrible ones and ones that would change me to my core – I can so clearly see God, my Father, at work.

God whispers to us, screams at us, holds our hands. He carries us and sustains us. Provides for us and knows us. He knows before we do what we’ll need. He is the ultimate parent because he knows every detail, every sinew, every nuance of our very beings. There isn’t another parent on the planet who knows that of their child.

We are adopted by God. Whether we come from happy homes or broken ones. Whether we talk to our parents every day or haven’t spoken to them for years doesn’t matter. We’re in God’s family. He’s blessed many people with amazing earthly parents, but I for one can’t wait to stand before Him and say, “Abba, Father, thank you for taking care of me when no one else would.”