We are in a holding pattern right now, due to providential reasons, as it relates to taking the next steps to move this adoption process forward. But our intentions are to pursue ahead as soon as possible. Just wanted you all to know why there are no new developments on the timeline. All in God’s time.
In our small group adult Bible study class on Sunday we were discussing the topic of risk as it pertains to different biblical characters. Clearly, some were more willing to take risk than others. Everyone has a certain comfort level with risk – maybe not liking to take risks at all or thriving on recklessness or somewhere in between.
My thoughts returned to a phrase that one of my high school teachers shared back in those days. He said, “Without risk, there is no reward.” And that phrase has stuck with me. It’s true. From the simple first date, comes a marriage proposal, then a wedding, then 4 kids! From the risk of putting yourself out there, you get to know your neighbor, cultivate a relationship over time, and are presented with opportunities for sharing the gospel. Without risk, there is no reward. Without the cross, there is no redemption.
How does this relate to adoption? Well, in our small group, we were discussing whether biblical characters really had any risk involved if they were simply asked to be obedient to what God had commanded them. They were assured success, because God had told them specifically what to do. But there may still be a measure of sacrifice involved. Likewise, God has specifically commanded Christians to care for the fatherless.
James 1:27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
Prov. 31: 8 Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute…defend the rights of the poor and needy.
Matt. 18:5 Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me
Matt. 18:14 So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.
I John 3: 16-18 By this we know love, that he (Jesus Christ) laid down his life for us…let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
When we follow God’s directives in Scripture, we are assured success and His blessing. That doesn’t mean there isn’t potential hardship and trial in the way. Without risk there is no reward. But the reward is great when the risk is taken up with pursuing spiritual treasure!
God has given our family a great desire to pursue adoption. That may not be your family’s story. But there are certainly great things He wants you to do to further His Kingdom! What risk do you need to undertake in order to follow God’s will for your life?
Finding God’s will, and living for the glory of Christ to the full in every chapter of your life is what makes it a success, not whether it reads like somebody’s else’s chapter.
In our small group adult Bible study class on Sunday we were discussing the topic of risk as it pertains to different biblical characters. Clearly, some were more willing to take risk than others. Everyone has a certain comfort level with risk – maybe not liking to take risks at all or thriving on recklessness or somewhere in between.
My thoughts returned to a phrase that one of my high school teachers shared back in those days. He said, “Without risk, there is no reward.” And that phrase has stuck with me. It’s true. From the simple first date, comes a marriage proposal, then a wedding, then 4 kids! From the risk of putting yourself out there, you get to know your neighbor, cultivate a relationship over time, and are presented with opportunities for sharing the gospel. Without risk, there is no reward. Without the cross, there is no redemption.
How does this relate to adoption? Well, in our small group, we were discussing whether biblical characters really had any risk involved if they were simply asked to be obedient to what God had commanded them. They were assured success, because God had told them specifically what to do. But there may still be a measure of sacrifice involved. Likewise, God has specifically commanded Christians to care for the fatherless.
James 1:27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
Prov. 31: 8 Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute…defend the rights of the poor and needy.
Matt. 18:5 Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me
Matt. 18:14 So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.
I John 3: 16-18 By this we know love, that he (Jesus Christ) laid down his life for us…let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
When we follow God’s directives in Scripture, we are assured success and His blessing. That doesn’t mean there isn’t potential hardship and trial in the way. Without risk there is no reward. But the reward is great when the risk is taken up with pursuing spiritual treasure!
God has given our family a great desire to pursue adoption. That may not be your family’s story. But there are certainly great things He wants you to do to further His Kingdom! What risk do you need to undertake in order to follow God’s will for your life?
Finding God’s will, and living for the glory of Christ to the full in every chapter of your life is what makes it a success, not whether it reads like somebody’s else’s chapter.
RSS Feed
