THAT YE MAY KNOW GOD'S WILL

This text was written by Tina, one of our Christian Adoption couples that are now references for our ministry. Rick and Tina have been blessed with the adoption of a beautiful son.

(Another successful adoption associated with Christian Adoption.)

One of the questions I have been asked most often by those asking for a reference from us is: "How did you KNOW it was God's will for you to adopt/sign up with Christian Adoption?" God put a project on my heart over a year ago and I have been gathering information and I have written the following on God's will.

IS THIS GOD'S WILL FOR OUR LIVES?

I am often asked, "How did you know it was God's will for you to adopt?" Discerning God's will can be one of the most difficult aspects of walking in His ways. Thankfully though, God speaks to us in several ways, and as a perfect Father, He works with His children in a unique way that is best for each of them. When you have earnestly sought His will in prayer, you may be sure that an answer is coming--in some way.

He may answer your questions through His Word, through people and circumstances, and/or by way of His Spirit (inspiration or revelation) or a combination of any of the above.

HIS WORD

God speaks volumes of guidance and direction for our lives through repetition in His Word. It has never failed that whenever I hear the same scripture verse over and over, God is trying to tell me something. As I began to seek His will about adoption, everywhere I turned for days I read and heard Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths."

In the early days of infertility I had voraciously digested every piece of information on my condition that I could find. I carried file folders of medical journal articles in to my Gynecologist and begged him to find us a path to parenthood. To his credit, he patiently worked with me and allowed me to try every new therapy I researched. The only problem was--nothing worked. Month after month my husband and I faced the heartbreaking cycle of our hopes and our plans being dashed. The bittersweet lesson I had to learn was that I could NOT lean on my own understanding. I was not able to create a baby within me and I was not in control. But through this process, I learned and came to know the creator of life, who loves me beyond description.

PEOPLE & CIRCUMSTANCES

Even though medical treatment didn't work, it was still our hearts' desire to become parents. So circumstances led us to the path of adoption. We did all the paperwork and training. Then we waited. And waited and waited and then waited some more. It was the kind of waiting where there is turmoil and distress, so we knew that the lack of peace was leading us in another direction. Then, I just "happened" to find the Christian Adoption web site. Isaiah 30:21 says Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, "This is the way. Walk in it."  This was definitely the case with the web site. I came back to it over and over for months and couldn't get it out of my mind. Over the course of months I saw many of the couples' names move to the "We're Matched" category and rejoiced as some moved to the "Successfully Adopted" category. We got excited about what we were seeing God do, and believed Christian Adoption was the way He was calling us to walk. However, we moved slowly getting references, writing/editing our profile letter, and trying to choose just the right photos. Then, suddenly at the end of May (1999) it was like a fire was lit under me. It felt like God was shouting "NOW is the time!" We sent in the letter and photos knowing they were not "perfect" but we soon learned that God's timing is always perfect.

HIS SPIRIT

In April (1999) I was on a shopping trip with my best friend, Jessi. She and I were about to leave the mall when I came face to face with a big blue bunny with "1999" on the bottom of his foot. I am extremely practical with money. I had bought nothing that day, knowing I could find the mall's "sale" items much cheaper somewhere else. But, I was overcome with a powerful urge to buy this rabbit. I walked away several times, muttering to myself that I certainly had no use for a stuffed animal--especially one with the year embroidered on it. But, I could feel God gently nudging me to make this purchase. Through His spirit in action, inspiration, God was working within me. After trying to leave the store a second time, I finally looked at my friend and said, "OK, I'm buying this bunny in faith that we will have a little boy in 1999 who can love this toy." As it turned out, this shopping trip was just about the weekend that our future birthmom discovered she was pregnant. And now, the first thing you see when you walk into our son's nursery is a big blue bunny with the year of his birth embroidered on the foot! God was at work preparing me and blessing me then and now. That giant bunny reminds me that God is faithful; He knows the end from the beginning; and He always answers the prayers of those who diligently seek His will.

IS THIS GOD'S WILL FOR OUR LIVES?  

HOW DO YOU KNOW?

Study His Word, consider the counsel of others, assess your situation, allow God to work within you, and PRAY for clear guidance. He is faithful to hear your prayers, and He will direct your steps.

Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths."

For more information please read Muddy and Viewpoints. We encourage you to prayerfully consider registering with our service, and/or writing to us.

adoption@christianadoption.com 

Go to web site index

Return to main page

A non-profit Christian and Internet service ministry. We're helping others in the adoption process.

1.800.277.7006      620.251.4405

Deborah S. Hill    P.O. Box 243   Coffeyville, KS  67337    

      www.christianadoption.com       adoption@christianadoption.com