"For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, 'Abba Father!" (Romans 8:15)
Last week I witnessed a miracle. It began as a typical Christmas visit with our families in NC. My mother-in-law is a huge Tennessee Lady Vols fan and so we usually get her tickets to go see them play in Knoxville. My wife and her sister usually make this trip with her as a nice "girls getaway." This year was different. We decided that both families would go (six kids total, yeah I know what you are thinking...). So we laid down our plans and I will admit that I was not real excited to begin with (women's basketball sorry ladies!). Then something amazing happened. I received a text from a friend of mine in SC who informed me that she was sitting in a hospital room holding her newly adopted son. My heart was filled with joy because we had prayed for this couple for over a year. They had faced heartbreak more than once while waiting for a child.
Next, she informed me they were in Knoxville. (6 miles from the arena to be exact - how amazing is that??) We made plans and met up with them for a few minutes before the game. They stepped out of the car and you could just see them glow. I walked over to the car and looked in and it was a sight I will never forget. Here was this little guy strapped into a car seat. He was secure. He was safe. Most of all he was loved. I looked up at the dad and the expression on his face said it all. He had a look of pride that said, "that is my son."
God opened my eyes in that moment. What I had just witnessed was a portrait of the Gospel. Not a generic Gospel that was for someone else - but the Gospel in my own life. God has adopted me into His family. I was hopeless and had no future (just like that little guy) and God brought me into His family. As a result of His care I am safe, secure and yes, I am loved. When God looks at me (through Christ), he says "that is my son."
I could go on and on with the parallels but I believe you get the idea. Sometimes we just need to be reminded of who we are in Christ. We went on to have a great time at the game but the image of the baby snug in the car seat is what stayed with me long after. I pray that if you are a follower of Christ that you will be reminded of whose child you are today.
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