21 Days to Building a Faith Filled Family - Audio DevotionalSample

Embracing Our Family of Faith

Welcome back, friend. It's Day 3 of our journey, and I'm excited to share! Today, let's take some time to understand God's plan for families. But before we begin, let's quiet our hearts and minds in prayer.

Dear Heavenly Father, we come before you today with open hearts, seeking your guidance and understanding of your heart for families. Speak to us, reveal your truth, and envelop us in your love and grace as we explore this topic together. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

I invite you to find a comfortable position and give yourself permission to fully engage in our time today. Remove all distractions, and if you're listening to the audio, close your eyes and allow the sound of my voice to lead you on this journey.

Have you ever considered the Bible a story about one big family? It's true! Throughout its pages, we see the beautiful narrative of God's family unfolding. From Adam and Eve, then to God's chosen people through Abraham's lineage, and the Gentiles being welcomed into God's family through Jesus, the Bible paints a picture of familial love and connection.

Let's take a moment to reflect on some of the beautiful language throughout God's Word that illustrates this concept. In Exodus 4:22, God declares Israel His firstborn son.

Jesus, too, uses the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15 to depict God as a loving and compassionate father. The worldwide Church is composed of brothers and sisters in Christ. It is clear that we see and understand things in terms of family.

From the very beginning, God's intent is for families to thrive. He provides a nurturing environment for love to flourish between spouses and for children to grow and develop.

But, as we look around today, we're reminded of the brokenness and challenges that exist in our world today— fractured relationships, infidelity, divorce, and neglect. Yet, amidst this pain, there's hope in the good news of God's family. In His family, everyone is welcome. In His family, we find true belonging and acceptance, regardless of our circumstances or struggles.

We know from Romans 5:8 that while we were still sinners, Christ died so that we might receive him and be adopted into the family of God. John 1:12-13 reminds us, "Yet to all who did receive 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."

Take a moment to let that truth sink in. That means you are a cherished and valued member of a family - God's family, intentionally welcomed and celebrated by your Creator for who you are. There is wonder in the profound love and sacrifice of Jesus, who went to the cross so that you could be adopted into this blessed family.

Take a moment and reflect on the idea that God intended for you to be a cherished and valued member of His family. You might even thank Jesus out loud for going to the cross so that you can be adopted.

[PAUSE FOR REFLECTION]

In the grand design of God's plan, have you ever considered that He deliberately placed your family together? It's a profound thought to ponder.

This means God intended you to be with your parents, siblings, or perhaps as an only child. If you have children, God entrusted them to your care for a specific purpose. He orchestrated your family setting with precision and purpose because He has a plan for you within your family and a plan for your family, no matter its composition or dynamics.

Reflect on Jesus' own earthly family. He could have entered the world in any manner He chose; he could have come on a rainbow as a full-grown man or on a lightning bolt with angels surrounding him, but he didn't. Jesus came to earth through a family, through a very specific family, a humble carpenter and his wife. This should remind us that God's sovereignty extends to the very fabric of our family units.

You belong in your unique family setting, just as Jesus belonged in His. God has intricately designed each member of your family with inherent value and importance. You, too, were uniquely created by God for a purpose within your family.

Psalm 139:13-15 says:

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful,

I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth."

As we close today, take a moment to reflect on the significance of your place in God's family - as chosen - desired - welcomed - and worthy. And, reflect on your significance within your own family. Let's celebrate that today.

Before I leave you with Jesus, let's pray:

Dear God, we thank you for the gift of family. For the gift of your family that comes through Jesus. And for the gift of our family here and every family member. Help us see the blessing of each member, appreciate at least one thing about them, and recognize your fingerprints on their design. Amen.

I'll leave you with Jesus now.

Use the rest of this time to reflect on what God has revealed to you today. Think about how you are part of His family by intention.

See you tomorrow!