CHRISTIAN ADOPTION: Way

WHICH WAY ARE YOU HEADED?

Written by Emily

Spring '04

Life is a funny thing sometimes. We start out on a path, one that we think is the right one, and God chooses to put a detour in front of us. Do we try our hardest to find an easier path, searching for what we think is a better and faster way to reach our destination? Do we turn around and head back the way we came, thus giving up the idea of even reaching our goal? Or do we stay the course, following each bend in the road, taking our time to enjoy the scenery, praying for God's strength to get us through each difficulty, hurt or obstacle? Do we try to understand the valuable lessons we can be taught along the way, learning that God's path (way) is higher than ours and realizing that God was/is directing our steps? (Isaiah 55:8 & 9; Proverbs 16:9) In all of life's journeys, including adoption, we often lose our "way." We all have unique, God-orchestrated circumstances that have directed our paths and taken us in a specific direction. Trying to discover the easiest path possible may, for a brief time, seem enjoyable, but, if not God's path, could lead to heartache and disappointment. The first step to reaching our destination is to let the Lord guide. "Commit thy way unto the Lord…" (Psalm 37:5) Yielding our way to God's way will actually bring about a sense of freedom and comfort as we realize that He is directing our steps. "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way." (Psalm 37:23) Turning around and heading the other direction is also an option, but is it the right one? Do we trust God enough to keep heading in the direction He has led us? What could we miss if we choose to give up? "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy…" (Psalm 16:11) We know with certainty that God led us to this path so now we must exercise faith in Him to keep us on it. Would we want the same future as the people in Jeremiah's day? "Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein…I will bring evil upon this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not hearkened unto my words, nor to my law, but rejected it." (Jeremiah 6:16 & 19) Even with the promise of rest, they chose to not walk in God's ways, thus causing God to put an end to their path. No doubt, the best choice we can make is to stay the course. "As for God, his way is perfect." (2 Samuel 22:31, Psalm 18:30) There may be some similarities in our "scenery" but there are also differences. On our personal adoption road, while at times it is difficult to demonstrate patience and we sometimes tend to make having a child our driving focus, our scenery includes ministering to and developing friendships with others as well as testifying to God's goodness along the way. If God had not led us to Christian Adoption, then we wouldn't have met any of you nor have been able to experience such overwhelming spiritual support. We could focus on not having a child, question why others are being blessed with a child, and wonder when our time will come. However, we are choosing to "take time to smell the roses." God's strength is also promised throughout our journey. "God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect." (2 Samuel 22:33) "It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect." (Psalm 18:32) Even throughout the trials of life, God is with us--leading and guiding. "When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path…" (Psalm 142:3) "But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold." (Job 23:10) Taking this path isn't all about enjoying the scenery or gaining strength for the path ahead. It also involves being teachable. What is God trying to teach us while we are on this path full of detours and potholes? "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye." (Psalm 32:8) As the Psalmist David cried out to God, "Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths." (Psalm 25:4) So are we willing to learn what God shows us each day and that will lead us to our future? We may be on this path to learn more about others or to learn more about ourselves, but ultimately, we can learn more about God. He provided His Word so that we may know Him more. His Word teaches us about "all things that pertain unto life and godliness." (2 Peter 1:3) In the process of learning all we can about infertility, the adoption process, and those around us, we can gain a greater understanding and develop a deeper relationship with our Heavenly Father. While this account is from the Old Testament, there are many principles and applications important to learn. "Therefore thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to fear him. For the LORD thy God bringeth thee into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills; A land of wheat, and barley, and vines, and fig trees, and pomegranates; a land of olive oil and honey; A land wherein thou shalt eat bread without scarceness, thou shalt not lack any thing in it; a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills thou mayest dig brass. When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the LORD thy God for the good land which he hath given thee. Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day: Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein; And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied; Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage; Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint; Who fed thee in the wilderness with manna, which thy fathers knew not, that he might humble thee, and that he might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end; And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth. But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, which he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day. And it shall be, if thou do at all forget the LORD thy God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that ye shall surely perish." (Deuteronomy 8:6-19) Just as the people of Israel were brought through plentiful days and meager days, they had to constantly be reminded that it was the Lord who brought them through all of it. Whether or not we apply God's principles to adoption, our relationships, our vocation, life's circumstances, etc., our instructions are crystal clear - "In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3:6) May we be willing to travel the path that He has already traveled for us. "That the Lord thy God may shew us the way wherein we may walk, and the thing that we may do." (Jeremiah 42:3)

Emily

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