The mountain valley—lush with wildflowers and evergreens—was the perfect setting for my sister, Tiffany’s, wedding. The afternoon sun cast its warm, honeyed glow on the bride and groom while the soft sounds of birds singing joined the young couple as they made their vows. The wedding party stood nearby—twelve bridesmaids in elegant dresses. Tracy, our sister and the matron-of-honor offered silent, smiling support.
Words of love. Promises of tomorrow. Yet, I sat in my chair battling with mixed emotions- adoration and resentment, happiness and pain. Why? Because I had been rejected. My little sister—one whose tears I had wiped and celebrations I had trumpeted—had chosen a dozen women to assist, encourage, and support her on one of the most important days of her life and I was not one of them.
Thoughts of rejection pricked my heart. What did you expect? You are just the half sister. You’ve never really been part of the family. Weeks later, I continue to struggle with the unrealized hope of belonging.
In gentle reproach, God began assuring me of my true position. Daughter, remember my words. “[You] have been set free to experience [your] rightful heritage. You can tell for sure that you are now fully adopted as his own child because God sent the Spirit of his Son into your life crying out, “Papa! Father!” (Galatians 4:6 MSG) You do belong—to me! What more could you need?
What more could I need? Nothing. Rather than being rejected, I have been accepted—even adopted– as a daughter of the king. I am part of Christ’s family. I have a place of belonging.
Do you, too, yearn for acceptance? Then take hold of the certificate of adoption Christ holds out to you! You’ve been adopted. You belong.
