And Jesus said, "Take my hand!"

By Joyce Pelletier
      Throughout my life's journey, I have come to cherish the profound comfort of knowing that I am truly never alone. Even in moments when isolation or loss seem overwhelming. There is a constant assurance that He is present. This awareness fills the empty spaces left by those who have gone before us that reminds me that belonging to God’s family is a promise that leads us  beyond the circumstances of this world.
       I wanted to share that I purposely capitalize ‘He and Him’ as it points to the most important word and focus here. It reminds me that we are talking about ‘Abba’ Father or Jesus or the Holy Spirit. Three in one.
      The past several years there has been a depth of the realization about Adoption and being a Child of the most-high God. I start to melt when I truly consider this meaning. Our Bible Study on Tuesday mornings spent several days with our deliberate attention to our connection with God.
        I was deeply touched when Brent spent time during a Sunday Sermon and time speaking with him how important it is to be aware and identify with being born again. I remember quite vividly the day I met Jesus and my life changed forever. Many of us have different experiences when we have our first of a gazillion encounters with our God.
      Growing up, I had no idea the whole purpose of knowing God in a personal manner. Our pastors relate to that importance of a relational existence with God. Now that my original family members are gone to their final rest, the reality of them being gone, showed me ever so clearly that I am an orphan, in need of a family. When I accepted Jesus as Lord and leader of my life, the longer I live and study God’s word, I am more conscious that His presence in my life is all that matters. He is vividly with all of my life and ready at any given moment to teach me and better yet, shows me His love.
       He gave me a purpose for my life, and even though I don’t live in a perfect world, I am reaching for His purpose for all things in my life to bring that love to everyone I can. I can’t do it without Him. Even though sometimes it’s rather difficult to embrace, but I march on.
       Each day brings new meaning to what adoption means. The most important is the truth about being adopted, I was chosen by God to be His. He loves me that much to call me to His presence and is always ready to give me what I need to be the recipient of such joy. Things go wrong and always will, until one day when I am in Heaven enjoying all the family God has chosen for Himself. There is no better place to be.
      Brent also reminds us that we have nothing to fear, as God gives us hope in our being, because He chooses to be with us on this journey. We can pray for those who haven’t accepted that invitation, but that offer remains a blessing beyond anything we can imagine. It says in Ephesians 1:5 “He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will.”
John 1:10-12 “He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world do not recognize Him. He came to that which was His own, but His own did not receive Him. Yet to all who received Him to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God – children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.”
               The past several years there has been a deepening reality about what Adoption is and what being a Child of the most-high God. I start to melt when I truly consider this meaning. Our Bible Study on Tuesday mornings spent several days on the deliberate attention to our connection with God.  
       Brent spoke so clearly during a recent Sunday Sermon as he spoke about how important it is to be aware of our identity and being born again. I remember quite vividly the day I met Jesus and my life changed forever. Many of us have different experiences when we have our first of a gazillion encounters with our God.
      Growing up, I had no idea the whole purpose of knowing God in a personal manner. Our pastors relate to that importance of a relational existence with God. Now that my original family members are gone to their final rest, the reality of them being gone, showed me ever so clearly that I am an orphan, in need of a family. When I accepted Jesus  as Lord and leader of my life, the longer I live and study God’s word, I am more conscious that His presence in my life is all that matters. He is vividly with all of my life and ready at any given moment to teach me and better yet, shows me His love.
       Yes, indeed He gives purpose to all of my life, and even though I don’t live in a perfect world, I am reaching for His purpose for all things in my life to bring that love to everyone I can. I can’t do it without Him. Each day brings new meaning to what adoption means. The most important is the truth about being adopted, I was chosen by God to be His. He loves me that much to call me to His presence and is always ready to give me what I need to be the recipient of such joy. Things go wrong and always will, until one day when I am in Heaven enjoying all the family God has chosen for Himself. There is no better place to be.
      Brent also reminded us that we have nothing to dread as God gives us hope in our being, because He chooses to be with us on this journey. We can pray for those who haven’t accepted that invitation, but that offer remains a blessing beyond anything we can imagine. He never abandons us, not ever! We may have to wait a bit, like a cake that needs baking, when It’s finally done and frosted, it’s delicious!
Ephesians 1:5 “He predestined us for adoption as His children through Jesus   Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will.” Please pray with me…
      As we take your hand, Jesus, there isn’t a word that could properly express my true gratitude. However, I believe you fully understand my heart. I am grateful for every opportunity you allow to touch or help another by being there in word, prayer or a heart to listen to. Help me be sensitive to the needs around me and help me bring joy to another’s life. Show us where you want us to be, what you want us to share, and peace to be courageous in all we do. In your most precious name, Amen.