Guest: Young Adoption Story

When we started looking into adoption I knew that God was calling us to adopt. I knew of James 1:27. I know the concept of God’s adoption of us into his family. The one thing I didn’t know was what a big part of God’s word and actions have been about adoption. From Moses to Esther to Samuel, we are able to see these huge characters that were not only a part of God’s plan but were also adopted. Of course, God often shows us what is relevant to us while reading the scriptures, and that is what makes it a living book. However, I can’t help but notice how so much of God’s word talks directly of the orphan.

Here are some examples:

In you the orphan finds mercy. – Hosea 14:3

Never take advantage of any widow or orphan. If you do and they cry out to me, you can be sure that I will hear their cry. – Exodus 22:22-23

You are the helper of the fatherless. LORD, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will prepare their heart; You will cause Your ear to hear, To do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, That the man of the earth may oppress no more. – Psalms 10:14,17-18

Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. – James 1:27

Father to the fatherless, defender of widows — this is God, whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families. – Psalms 68:5-6

When you are harvesting your crops and forget to bring in a bundle of grain from your field, don’t go back to get it. Leave it for the foreigners, orphans, and widows. Then the LORD your God will bless you in all you do. – Deuteronomy 24:19

Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows. – Isaiah 1:17

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice. – Proverbs 31:8-9

And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me. – Matthew 18:5

I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me! – Matthew 25:40

if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. – Isaiah 58:10

I believe that the scriptures hold it to be true that we are all called to the orphan. If you don’t feel like adoption is possible for you – you may be wrong. Don’t let finances hold you back. God will provide. There are opportunities for grants, refundable tax credits, interest free loans, fundraisers, and subsidies. If you are certain God is not calling you to adopt at this time, you may want to find ways to support orphans in another way. Perhaps a missions trip, a fundraiser for an orphanage, and sometimes just writing a check is where God is leading you. However, the need is great and those willing to step up are few. I am certain God is calling more than are willing to admit it. I am certain that if we all moved when God called us there would probably not be near as much poverty, orphanages, hungry and suffering. 147 million orphans in the world today tells me that there are probably about 147 million Christians who have not asked God what He would have them do for the orphan. Lets step up to the plate. Lets start emptying orphanages in masses. Lets follow Christ!

If you would like to read my other ramblings – check out my family’s blog at http://journey2ethiopia.blogspot.com