On Tuesday, I wrote a brief article on the subject of adoption, making reference to the very heart warming story of little Lydia who was adopted by a Christian family here in the United States. I just received this short letter:

John,

How delightful to come across this post! I love all that you wrote and quoted about adoption. Here were the judge’s words the day this adoption became final, as I was there (in the court room):

“NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, ADJUDGED, AND DECREED that the minor child is declared to be adopted by the Petitioners, ____ and _____, that the minor shall henceforth be regarded and treated as the Petitioners’ NATURAL child and have all the lawful rights as their own child, including the rights of support, protection and inheritance, and the minor child henceforth bear the name: LYDIA JOY ____.”

To be declared a “natural” child by an earthly court of law is but a foreshadow of how permanent our seal of adoption was with our Heavenly Father. Thank you so much for sharing this blessing with others.

Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.