Trae has been leading our Sunday School the past few weeks at church. Coincidentally, our topic has been ‘faith.’ Trae has done a wonderful job leading, and discussion is always diverse and enlightening.
This past week we talked about Abraham’s faith. Abraham and his wife, Sarah, waited and longed for years to add to their family through a child. When God spoke to Abraham and promised he will have a son, Abraham trusted in God and believed his word. Sarah did conceive, in spite of her old age, and Abraham and Sarah had the joy of a promise being fulfilled. Of course, we know the story does not end there: God then asked Abraham, once his son was growing into a young man, to sacrifice his only son to God. Abraham obeyed, and like any good story with suspense and thrill, God stops Abraham as his knife is raised in the air. God acknowledges that because of Abraham’s great faith and obedience, He would spare Abram’s only son (Isaac) and provide a replacement (a ram).
Someone made a comment during our class last week that they never had a moment like Abraham did, where God spoke to them so specifically. I’ve heard this a lot it seems since we have started the adoption process this year. (It is also something I know I have said in the past) When people tell me they ‘admire’ the fact we are adopting, but don’t believe they/others are called to adopt, I can’t help but to wonder is it because God doesn’t call us or because we don’t believe His word is enough? Do I think everyone should I adopt? If you are able to provide a home for a child, then yes, I think you should b/c the need is so very great. But those who can’t adopt can provide financial support to adoptive families, or they can foster, or they can support children through World Vision or Compassion International, or they can offer their prayers to God on the orphans’ behalf. God’s word tells us to take care of orphans and widows in distress. Does it specify adoption? No! But God does specify we watch over and care for the oppressed. There are many ways to do this, and God equips us all differently, but the important element is that we believe His word is enough and we act upon it!!
Over and over in God’s word we are told to take care of ‘the least of these’ (the poor, the oppressed, the sick, the imprisoned, etc…). I know this is a delicate topic in today’s Christian circles, because there are many ‘church people’ who do not view it as their duty to care for those most often neglected in our societies. But God’s word is not selective; He never asks only a select few to take care of the needy. God tells us if we have no compassion in our hearts towards the needy & hurting, and if we do not extend compassion (see, faith needs to be met with action), then we must sincerely question our relationship with Christ and God the Father.
So, when people say ‘I so admire that you take care of orphans, but I’m not called to do so…’ then I have to ask, Do you believe that God’s word is enough? If yes, then there is your answer. After all, it is the same spirit, the same Word, the same God & Love who abides in our hearts and gently leads us to live as God asks us to live.
If we can believe God’s word is all we need, like Abraham did, I do believe that God will mold our faith into something real and lasting – a faith that fears not what God asks us to do, but encourages and empowers us to be the Hands and Feet of Christ to people who need it the most, regardless of the cost.
Hi! I found your blog link from a Disqus comment on another site. I usually don’t click those links, but for some reason today I did. :)
My husband and I are in the process of becoming licensed foster parents. This particular post of yours resonated with me, especially as we get closer to being placement-ready and I have fleeting thoughts of “am I truly called to do this?” I really, really needed to read this today. Thank you!
May God continue to bless your lovely family and your heart for His will.
Thank you for finding me and sharing your story. I know God will do wonderful things through you & your husband bc of your willingness, inspite of your fears, etc.. God bless you!