When we first discussed adoption we knew immediately that the finances would be more than we could afford. As we looked through the series of fees, the cost kept stacking up. We finally arrived at an estimated total cost of $35,000. It was a number that was far beyond our means. Making frugal choices and denying ourselves luxuries wouldn’t be enough to fulfill the requirements in the time alotted. So now what? Does that mean God has closed the door on us taking in an orphaned child as our own? Does that mean we shouldn’t try to give a precious little one a chance at having two parents that unconditionally love him/her? The answer seems clear to us... “NO.” There are various grants and financial aid that we can apply for, and the government has extended the Adoption Tax Credit as well. We will continue to give to the local church, as well as other ministries that we have committed to support. From there, we will give to this adoption. We will not be adding to our retirement fund during this time, instead, directing those funds towards the adoption. One thing we do consider a responsibility, however, is to maintain an “emergency fund.”
James 1:27 is often quoted in these scenarios, and it is good and right to bring to mind the command of “looking after orphans (and widows) in their distress.” However, the last part of that verse if too readily dropped from the reference--“and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” Truly, this is our desire. As Christians, we are directed according to God’s Word with how to live our lives for God’s glory. As we live for His glory, our delight in Him grows. It is good to enjoy what God has given us to enjoy, but it is destructive to oneself to seek any of these things above the glory of God. Furthermore, it is destructive to others to lead them into anything short of God’s desires for our delight. Please, do not hear our words of sacrifice as boasting. God has plans for each of us in revealing His glory to the world. At this time, this is where we are convinced He is leading us. Maybe God is leading you to partner with us financially. If so, we want you to know that we will readily receive your gift with gladness. It is our conviction that when God leads people to do something, it is good for those that are walking with them to know how deep the roots of the conviction run. And for those of you who are led to give, we want you to know that we are not asking for the funds to come from others, but we do not want to inhibit the blessing of giving from those who desire to give (Acts 20:35). Yet, the deepest desire we have for you, for ourselves, and for our children, is to seek first the Kingdom of God. God will provide for all our needs, and in this, the adoption, He will provide.
For you, the reader, remember that in all things and at all times, God’s plans are good. Difficulties are real, and hardships will come, but in all these things, He is sufficient (2 Cor 12:9). And the pleasures of this world are not all wrong in themselves, but not one of them will satisfy, all will leave us with a desire for something more. In Christ, we are at rest, and in Christ alone do we find our hope (Psalm 62:1; 1 Pet 1:3). And it is Christ’s blood that we have been purchased for adoption as sons and daughters of God, co-heirs with Christ, if only we have faith to believe in these promises for us (Ephesians 1).
Thank-you all for taking the time to read this, and for coming alongside us as we follow where Christ is leading. We love you all!
No comments:
Post a Comment