You are a Part of the Family

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. (John 1:12)

John did not say that God hopes you might become His child or that if you do good enough, you can qualify to be His child. He does not suggest that God considered the possibility. Instead, He says that to as many as received Him, He gave the power, the right, and the authority to become children of God.

You are a son or daughter of God. You are not a servant trying to earn a place at the table, nor a stranger hoping for an audience. You are a son or daughter with full legal standing in God's family, full access to the Father, and a full inheritance that belongs to the family.

When Jesus referred to God, He taught us to call Him “Abba,” the most intimate term for father in Aramaic. It's what a small child calls their dad—not a formal title, but a close, intimate cry of "I belong to you.” That is how God wants you to come to Him: not as a trembling subject hoping He's in a good mood, nor as a guilty sinner dragging yourself to a throne of judgment, but as a son or daughter—someone who knows they are loved, accepted, and covered by the blood of Jesus.

Your Father is waiting to move at your request. He is not reluctant or withholding blessings from you. He is a Father who loves His children and takes pleasure in their blessings. Come to Him knowing that because you do.

Practical Application

Begin your time in prayer today by reminding yourself that you are a son or daughter of God and saying that fact out loud. You have full access to the Father through the blood of Jesus. Come with boldness. Come with confidence. Come as a child who knows they are loved.

Romans 8:15; John 14:13