You moms out there know that giving birth to your children is the most glorious experience. I have always wondered how anyone could give birth and not truly believe that God in His infinite glory and power does not exist. But yesterday I experienced a powerful birth in a different way. I witnessed the making of a family through adoption.

I have watched over the last year as a young couple in our church went through the adoption process. There was a mountain of paperwork, home visits and frankly their life seemed to be put in a petri dish and placed under a microscope for all to poke and prod. There were many tears and disappointments, but they held fast and in July of last year a precious little girl was placed in their arms. Now I believe in miracles, but God keeps surprising me…this little girl looked like both this man and woman. It is amazing how God works. The whole journey came to a peak as many of us, grandparents and friends, piled into a courtroom to witness this procedure. The judge rattled on and on with all the legal jargon and then he pointedly asks them the question, “Do you love this child? You do know that this is forever?”

I’m sitting there thinking to myself. Off course they know its forever. Do you think they put themselves through this arduous experience to give her back? I don’t think so. This is a couple that takes this seriously. They have prayed, they have been prayed with and prayed for to have strength and courage to place themselves in the position of parents. They know there are no do overs.

Okay now we come to the good part. The judge then said that he declared this child to bear the name _____ _____ ______. From this day forward, her birth certificate would be changed to acknowledge her birth and now, her parents. He declared her legally bound to them as their child. Wow! That was an overwhelming moment of joy! And then this judge in his regal black robe came down from the bench and presented this child with a teddy bear.

In this Easter season this adoption story is such a great reminder to how much our spiritual Father, Jesus, loves us. You can experience the powerful love of a father through Him. Besides, what greater love does a parent have for His children than laying down their life through death. As the judge said to my friends, “Do you love this child? Do you know it is forever?” As they answered in the affirmative, Jesus says to us in the same way. I love you forever! There will be no do overs or returns, because I have already paid the ultimate cost for you!