But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir. Galatians 4:4-7

 

Seventeen-year-old Roman was just about to age out of his state’s foster care system, and he had nowhere to go and no one to help.

Then Roman’s miracle happened. A couple adopted Roman one day before his 18th birthday. The whole family cried happy tears of relief. Just in time, Roman got his dream: a forever family that was ready to provide safety, support, and love for the rest of his adult life. After bouncing between 19 foster homes since the age of 11, the stability and permanence of a real family meant the world to a young man with his whole life ahead of him.[1] Roman now faces the world with parents and siblings surrounding him.

This is the beauty of adoption! Adoption gives a family to the lonely and belonging for those who have experienced loss. The Bible tells us that God wants us to be in His family forever. The Bible book of Galatians 4 describes our just in time miracle saying, “But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us, who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” Now, you are no longer a slave but God’s own child” (Galatians 4:4-7a).

You, too, were always meant to be part of a forever family—the family of God. That invitation stands today.

[1] Ibrahim, Samantha. “Teen Boy Thrilled to Be Adopted Just before 18th Birthday: ‘In the Nick of Time.'” New York Post, New York Post, 28 Oct. 2023, nypost.com/2023/10/28/lifestyle/teen-boy-thrilled-to-be-adopted-just-before-18th-birthday/.