CHRISTIAN ADOPTION: Emily

EMILY

Written by Emily.

Names have been changed to protect privacy.

4.24.04

His Path

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 and is directing our steps?

Proverbs 16:9 A man's heart deviseth his way; but the Lord directeth his steps.

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.

Psalm 37:5 Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass.

Yielding our way to God’s way brings freedom, because He will direct our steps.

Psalm 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.

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?

Psalm 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

We know that God led us onto this path, so now we must keep our faith in Him to keep us on it. Would we want the same future as the people in Jeremiah’s day?

Jeremiah 6:16-19 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. Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet, But they said, We will not hearken. Therefore hear, ye nations, and know, O congregation, what is among them. Hear, O earth; behold, 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."

Psalm 18:30 As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried; He is a buckler to all those that trust in Him.

There may be some similarities in our "scenery" but there are also differences. Each of us travel on our own personal adoption road and at times it's difficult to remain patient. Often we make having a child our driving force and focus. But our journey should include ministering to one another, developing friendships with each other, testifying about God's goodness in our lives, and praying for each other's needs.

If God hadn't led our household to Christian Adoption, then we wouldn't have met our Christian Adoption Family. We wouldn't have received and experienced such overwhelming spiritual support!

We could focus on what we don't have or why others are being blessed before us or wonder when our time will come.

However, we're choosing to take in the scenery!

God’s strength is promised as we travel on our adoption journey.

Psalm 18:32 It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.

II Samuel 22:33 God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect.

Throughout all the trials of life, God is with us--leading and guiding.

Psalm 142:3a When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path.

Traveling the path of adoption isn’t all about the scenery or arriving at our destination. It's also about being teachable. What is God teaching us while we travel a path of detours, potholes and bumpy roads?

Psalm 32:8 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

As the Psalmist David cried out to God,

Psalm 25:4 Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths.

Are we willing to learn what God teaches us each day? Perhaps what we learn prepares us for our future.

Proverbs 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

May we be willing to travel His path and pray for one another in Christian Adoption.

Jeremiah 42:3 That the Lord thy God may shew us the way wherein we may walk, and the thing that we may do.

Emily

(Jim & Emily traveled God's path to their adopted daughter, their adopted son, and Christian Adoption!)

For more information please read Family Helping Family.

We encourage you to follow God's loving guidance.

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A Christian ministry helping birth parents & Christian couples for over 14 years!

1.800.277.7006 620.251.4405 adoption@christianadoption.com

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

We are not an adoption agency, we are not registered, we are not licensed, and we are not professional counselors.