God’s Family

Bible Reading: Ephesians 1:3-6

Damian walked over to the window of the pet store, his heart beating excitedly in his chest. He had waited a long time for this moment.

“Are you ready to go inside?” Aunt Rita asked.

A wide smile lit up Damian’s face as he nodded. He followed his aunt inside the store and stopped in front of a large wooden hutch. Two plush calico-colored rabbits hopped over one another, eagerly making their way to the food bowl. Damian’s eyes drifted to a light-gray rabbit nestled in the corner, its furry chin resting on an extended paw.

Aunt Rita followed Damian’s gaze and chuckled. “Something tells me you already picked which rabbit you would like to adopt.”

Damian lowered his hand into the uncovered hutch and rubbed the sleeping rabbit’s soft, silky fur. “Can we really adopt it, Aunt Rita?” he asked, finding it hard to believe. The past year had been difficult for him with his parents fighting a lot and his father still unable to find a job.

“We sure can,” Aunt Rita replied, hugging Damian to her side. “Did you know that God adopts us to be part of His family?”

“What do you mean?” Damian asked.

“Well,” said Aunt Rita, “God loves us so much that when we trust Jesus as our Savior, He adopts us as His sons and daughters.”

Damian’s eyes widened. “So, God is our Father and we become members of His family forever?”

Aunt Rita nodded. “That’s right. Think of how much you already care for this rabbit and the happiness you feel knowing it will be part of our family. God feels the same way about us. He takes great delight in adopting us as His children.” She squeezed Damian’s shoulder. “I know things haven’t been easy lately, but remember you’re not alone. Because you know Jesus, you’re part of God’s family, and He promises to be with you and take care of you.” Aunt Rita pointed to the rabbit. “Just like I know you’ll take care of him.”

Damian felt the warmth of Aunt Rita’s words wrap around him. Joy filled his heart as he realized how special it made him feel to be included in God’s family.

-Ann Garde

How About You?

Do you ever feel like God is far away? Or that you have to face difficult situations alone? Everyone feels like that at times, but God promises us that when we trust Jesus as our Savior, we become His children. He is a kind and loving Father who will always take care of us and be there when we need Him. Are you part of His family? If not, trust Jesus today, and God will make you His child. (To learn more, click the “Good News!” button in the right column of this page.)

Today’s Key Verse:
Ephesians 1:5 God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. (NLT)

Today’s Key Thought:

God adopts us into His family