by Joanie Butman
The birth of ancestry websites has led to some interesting stories as long-held family secrets come to light. Last year my husband discovered he had a half-sister. The circumstances of her conception will remain a mystery as all parties are deceased. However, the graciousness my husband and his siblings extended to Paula brought her to tears. She was overwhelmed with gratitude. I believe her words were something along the lines of, “Thank you for filling this huge hole in my life. Now I know where I came from.”
Not being adopted, I can’t relate to how it must feel not knowing your parentage. Nevertheless, I canrelate to the feeling of having a void that yearns for fulfillment. Mine wasn’t the absence of a birthparent but a spiritualone. Until I chose a relationship with God, you might say I didn’t know my roots either.
There is a God-shaped hole in all of us that can’t be filled with anything butHim. Trust me, I spent decades trying. It wasn’t pretty. Until you invite Him into your heart, there will always be a ‘piece/peace’ missing. My years of searching taught me that my meaning and identity begins and ends with who I am in Christ. Without those roots, I would still be adrift in a chaotic world searching for an anchor for my soul. There’s a reason Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do you say I am?” Their answer and yours defines Him and you in Him.
Not everyone searching ancestry websites will be as fortunate as Paula to discover the birth parent(s) they seek or be welcomed into a new family. Nevertheless, anyone is welcome into God’s family when they choose to seek Him. Blessedly, as believers we’re all adopted into God’s family through the blood of Jesus. You may never discover the identity of your birth parents, but you can know and appreciate the blessings of your Divine Father who is waiting to be found and eager to embrace you.
Twice in the Bible God announces over Jesus, “This is my son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” He is waiting to declare the same over anyone willing to surrender to His love. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Father’s Day than to choose to visit your Divine Father and let those words wash over you and fill your soul.
We all yearn for affirmation from a father, but sadly too many don’t receive it. Regardless, as adoptees into God’s family, we can have His. Choose to meditate on the following Biblical truths if you find yourself in an identity crisis:
Who does God say I am?
1. He created me in His image. (Genesis 1:27)
2. He knit me together in my mother’s womb. (Psalm 139:13)
3. He knew me before I was born. (Jeremiah 1:5)
4. I am fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14)
5. I am His son/daughter. (Romans 8:15)
6. I have a seat at the eternal banquet of His love. (Matthew 22:9)
Better yet, click here to listen to a love letter from God. As Christians, we’re all adoptees and need to know our inheritance guaranteed by Christ’s sacrifice.
