"For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will" - Ephesians 1:4-5
Jessica Long was born in Siberia Russia. She was born without many of the bones in her lower legs and was given up for adoption by a young Russian girl who couldn’t care for her properly because of her birth defect. An American couple, Steve and Beth Long, adopted Jessica and she grew up in Maryland.
At the age of 18 months, the decision was made to amputate her legs below the knees, so that she would have the opportunity to learn how to walk using prosthetic legs and from that moment, Jessica would begin pushing herself beyond anyone’s expectations. She began swimming as a 3-year-old and joined a swim team at age 10. She became a Paralympian and has numerous gold medals in swimming.
Jessica said: “My identity is in Christ and I really hope that I show that with just my character, the way that I do things on the pool deck. I know I couldn't do it without God.”
God has opened His heart to adopt us into His family. Today in prayer, praise your Heavenly Father for His love and making you a son or daughter through Jesus Christ.
"The moment we were born again, we were placed in an adoptive state as heirs, as sons of God." - Jon Courson
God's Word: "Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies." - Romans 8:23
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