Adoption Prayer, Christian Adoption
But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
-The New King James Version., 2 Co 3:18 (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982).
As I read this verse this morning, I wondered what it means to be ‘transformed from glory to glory’. As I thought about it, I realized that God’s ultimate goal is to transform us from within to reflect His image. But, this transformation does not happen overnight. There is a saying that ‘it is not time that heals, but what we do in that time that brings the healing’. Every challenge or trial we face in this life is an opportunity to transform us more into God’s likeness.
What do we do when we pray for something and God makes us wait for an answer? Do we complain, doubt, worry, and feel like giving up? Do we envy all the other women who are blessed with children (biological or adopted), have great husbands, and possess spiritual and material blessings? It is so easy to give in to our feelings of jealousy when we compare our blessings with those of others. We may even end up disappointed with God or question our worth in His eyes, beating ourselves up on why we are not blessed like ‘that woman’. But, God makes it very clear that we must make Him the center of our lives in order to feel fulfilled. No child can fill that God-shaped hole in your heart.
Don’t compare your ‘glory’ with someone else’s glory. God knows our individual needs and concerns, and He will bless each one of us according to what He knows we need and can handle. His timing is absolutely perfect. He is never late and never early, but right on time! So, be confident that He will bless you at the right time with the child He has chosen for you.
Adoption Prayer, Christian Adoption
Is it possible to be grateful for what we have, and yet still feel called to desire more in our lives? Aren’t the desires of our heart just as valid, even if we have a loving spouse, a stable home, and maybe even a child or two?
God has designed us to constantly yearn for more – it’s His will for us to answer his call when he has planted a seed in our hearts. Many adoptive parents wonder if it really is in God’s plan to welcome an additional child into their home. Many adoptive mothers feel guilt about wanting more than what God has already provided. You have your health, your career, your friends and family – and yet, something is still missing. In your heart, you know there is a child out there who is meant to be YOUR child. This need and desire is just as real as anything you could physically hold in your hand.
Yes, I believe there is a reason God puts this desire in our hearts. For example, He has designed His relationship with us to constantly want more. He doesn’t just want us to feel satisfied in our relationship with Him, but He wants us to grow, and learn, and become closer to Him. Just as in a new romance, when we first met our spouse and just couldn’t get enough time with the each other, God wants us to be that in love with him. It is possible to be completely grateful for the blessings in your life, and still want more. It is valid to be at peace with what God has provided, and still feel called to bring a baby into your family. Some women are called to be mothers through adoption – and it is up to us to take action steps to fulfill that calling.
As we go through each day, sharing His love with others, there are few ways to touch people for a lifetime. Adopting a child into our lives, our hearts, and His heavenly kingdom is actively changing a life for our lifetime and for eternity.
His plans may not be for you to adopt, but rather your actions may still fulfill His plans for a child. He may need you as an instrument to affect the lives of others.
What are you doing today and this week to move closer to God’s calling in your life? Spend some quiet time in prayer and listen for that gentle (or sometimes not so gentle) discernment. Continue your research, develop your plan for your adoption, and take the baby steps needed toward fulfilling your calling to adopt.
Adoption Gifts, Christian Adoption, Domestic Adoption, Open Adoption
If you know someone who is facing infertility or would like to add to their family through adoption, the new book Called to Adoption is a perfect gift! In this video, author Mardie Caldwell shares where you can purchase a copy:
Christian Adoption, Domestic Adoption
If you feel you’ve been Called To Adoption, the next step is preparation. First and foremost, you’ll want to educate yourself. Learn about domestic adoption vs. international adoption, as well as the different types of adoptions including: closed adoption, open adoption, and semi-open adoption. You’ll not only want to explore your options, but also begin to emotionally and spiritually understand varying adoption situations. Once you can relate with birth mothers and other families who have adopted, you may better understand how fulfilling adoption can be…allowing you to expand your family and open your heart.
Below are a few quick steps to help you succeed in your Christian adoption:
- Determine the type of adoption that is best for you, including the age range and racial background of the child you want to parent
- Find the qualified adoption professional who will help you build your family
- Complete the required paperwork, profile and other requirements to become qualified to adopt
- Prayerfully wait for the child God has for you, using this time of waiting to prepare for parenting
- Joyfully say “Yes!” when you are blessed with the opportunity to adopt a child.
To help you fully prepare and educate yourself about the process of adoption, read Called to Adoption – A Christian’s Guide to Answering the Call, and for more quick adoption guidelines, check out 11 steps to realizing your adoption goals.
