In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ. . . .

— Ephesians 1:4-5

Jorie loved her daughter, Sarah, deeply, but amid the challenges of trauma and poverty she couldn’t care for Sarah in the way that was needed. Sarah’s father was in prison. Lacking the support and tools she needed for raising Sarah, Jorie faced a tough decision.

Enter the Millers. With four biological children, a steady home, and an abundance of love, they became foster parents to Sarah through a foster/adoption agency. Later, after much thought, Jorie made the decision for Sarah to be adopted by the Millers. Although the drop-offs and pick-ups between Jorie and the Millers can sometimes be awkward, all agree that this arrangement is best for Sarah.

Followers of Christ are adopted into a bigger family than the one they are born into, and Sarah has experienced this firsthand. She knows the love of both her birth family and her adoptive family. Recently, on Jorie’s birthday, they all gathered at a Chicago pizzeria. As Sarah left the celebration, she said to her adoptive mother, “I’m so glad my mom didn’t abandon me. She found you, and now my family is even bigger.”

God often expands our families in ways we don’t expect, providing love and support in unexpected forms. I’m so glad that God doesn’t leave us on our own but surrounds us with a bigger family than we could ever have imagined.

Father, thank you for adopting us into your family. Help us embrace all of our brothers and sisters in faith, knowing we are united by your love and grace. Amen.