“A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy dwelling.” (Psalm 68:5 NIV)
It’s interesting to me how all last week had a reoccurring theme – spiritual fatherhood marked each and every day. Then, yesterday, my pastor preached on adoption. She shared how the Israelites were delivered from Egypt by God but then asked to set themselves apart for Him. Consecration must follow deliverance, otherwise the latter state will be far worse than the first.
I listened carefully and thought of Jesus’ words in Matthew 12:45 about an empty house and evil spirits. I know my pastor is correct. A cleaned-out heart is asking for occupation. We can either consecrate ourselves to our loving, rescuing God or leave ourselves open to the enemy.
It was probably halfway through the message when I realized it; three years ago was my Gotcha Day. My dad had just gone to be with the Lord and in the wee hours after, I finally, fully recognized my adoption into God’s family. Of course I had been a believer for a lot of years by then, but I had spent most of them so hung up on my daddy issues that it was difficult to receive God as a Father. It was only in the wake of my earthly father’s passing that I began to understand the lavish love my heavenly Papa offers. I had to learn by contrast, not comparison.
So yesterday, in service, I couldn’t help but grin from ear to ear as I considered the third anniversary of my adoption. I’m so thankful to be a part of God’s family and receive all the rights and privileges therein.
“And I will be a father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:18 NIV)
Lord, may we each have a Gotcha Day – a day where we realize the fullness of belonging to a holy Father. Hurry along that understanding. May we bloom and grow under the provision and protection of Your adoption. Amen.