The Spirit of Adoption

Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called the sons of God!

I John 3:1

A couple of years ago, I read a book entitled Spiritual Slavery to Spiritual Sonship, by Jack Frost. This book was life-transforming. While reading it, I experienced deep revelation of what it means to be a child of God. Our Heavenly Father used this book to show me patterns in my life that were not indicitive of my identity as His daughter. He healed me in many ways and I will forever be grateful for the things that He revealed to my heart.

After this experience, however, I foolishly thought that I really had a grasp on understanding the heart of our Father. I know now that I was only just beginning...

A few weeks ago, we were having a time of praise and worship before the start of school. My amazing brother, Brett, was leading worship. He read from Romans 8:15-17:

"For you did not receive the spirit of slavery leading again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry, 'Abba, Father.'  The Spirit himself bears witness to our spirit that we are God’s children. And if children, then heirs (namely, heirs of God and also co-heirs with Christ)." 

One of the students leaned over to me and asked, "What is a co-heir?"

And as I began to explain this concept, the eyes of my heart were opened...

We are co-heirs with Christ.

We are co-heirs with Christ.

We are co-heirs with Christ.

Was it possible??? Was it truly possible that our Father, the One who created the heavens and the earth, had bestowed upon us all of the riches of the Kingdom, just as He had bestowed these riches upon Christ?! Was it possible that our Father loved me, just as He loves Christ?!

Truly, this seemed impossible to me, but as my eyes were opened, I couldn't deny it. It was impossible...yet  miraculously true.

The Father does love me, just as he loves Christ.
The Father has given me access to the riches of heaven, just as He has given them to Christ.

The Father, then, brought to mind my own children. Did I feel any differently about my adopted children than I felt about my biological son?

NO!!!

Again, and again, and again, I say, "NO!!!"

It makes no difference to me whether or not my children were conceived in my womb or in the womb of another. It makes no difference to me whether or not I bore these children. I love them! I love them and would give my life for them in an instant. They are MY children. They are the ones that I love.

But, as I pondered this reality, I also couldn't deny another reality..

Sometimes it makes a difference to them.

At times, it's hard for adopted children to accept that they are loved, just as a biological child is loved. At times, it's hard for adopted children to see themselves as beloved sons and daughters.

But, whether they see themselves in that way or not, the truth is, they ARE beloved sons and daughters. I see my own precious adopted children in exactly the same way as I see our biological son. I love these wonderful children with love unfailing, and I hope with all of my heart that they would know that and experience that love each and every day.

And, do you know what?

My Father feels the same way about me.

He sees me as He sees Christ. He loves me just as He loves Christ. Wonder of wonders...He cares for me, in the same way that He cares for Christ.

And He longs for me to know it and live it each and every day.

Jesus truly is my brother! Our Father loves me, just as He loves Jesus! And all that I have to do is receive it.

And do you know what friends?
Our Father feels the same way about you.

The Spirit of Adoption.

Oh Lord, let it permeate our hearts and fill us to overflowing. Let it inform our every thought, fill our every need, and give direction to every step that we take.  Dear precious Father, may the Spirit of Adoption take hold of our hearts and help to transform our lives to look more like the life of Your Son, whom You love, just as You love us.