PERFECT GIFTS FROM ABOVE
Written by Christina. Names have been changed to protect privacy.
(Another successful adoption associated with Christian Adoption.)
About a year ago, after we had figured out there was no way we could afford the standard adoption agency and attorney fees even if we could meet all their criteria, we started into the world of independent adoption. We asked God to be our "agency" and to match us with the right situation and child. He had only one question on the application, but it was a killer. It said, "Do you have faith?!" I remember praying that if I just had some encouragement from somewhere, I could withstand whatever came our way with another ride on the adoption roller coaster. The other thing that we prayed and hoped for was that God would receive all the glory for delivering His child for us, in His timing. We absolutely see our children as miracles and want them to have that testimony before the rest of the world. After we matched with our birthmother, we dedicated our baby to the Lord. We committed her placement in our family and her entire future into the Lord's hands. We had had experiences with birthmothers in the past who changed their minds before or after the birth. As soon as we met our precious birthmother and her family, we knew she would not change her mind. When the baby was born, she signed the consent papers and we did what we could to come to terms with the birthfather. We waited for ICPC clearance and we came home. It did all seem a little too easy! It turns out that it was only the beginning of placing our daughter into God's care. We had followed legal counsel and the laws of our state, which said the birthfather's consent, would not be required. The birthfather was a fugitive from the law and unable to provide for the baby, but he followed us home and began filing motions in the court to stall the adoption and obtain custody. He obtained information about us that was supposed to be confidential and threatened the safety of our family. Everything we did or others did in "their earthly power" to deal with the situation failed. The enemy opposed us at every turn. We were even opposed by our own attorneys and the legal system that was supposed to protect us! We were facing a custody battle in two states over a period of months involving no less than five attorneys, whom we did not trust. Many of our own family and friends deserted us because they didn't want to witness a failed adoption. My faith was getting shaky and I was feeling anxious, desperate, and alone. Then God rose up for us a small army of committed believers (within the Christian Adoption family) whose prayers and support turned the tide. It became plain that only God could help us and if we really meant what we said about dedicating Ruth to the Lord, then we were going to have to trust Him alone to protect her. "For I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day." It reached the point where only God could help us by answering our prayers. Then there would be no doubt that He delivered us. Suddenly, after all that had happened and against all odds, the birthfather's heart was changed long enough for him to sign the papers and not revoke his consent. We are so thankful that it only took three and a half months! (Be careful what you pray for because you just might get it!) We have just been through something that we wouldn't wish on anybody, but also wouldn't trade for anything. The Lord heard our prayers and answered them in ways that leave no doubt that He is sovereign. In the process, He took our faith and increased it. He answered and provided us with the encouragement of other believers that did give us the ability to withstand the difficult times. He demonstrated His power and took an impossible situation (in the eyes of men) and He intervened to accomplish what no one else could do. He answered and gave baby Ruth a testimony that can't be denied! Our experience has left us with a couple of regrets. One regret is that we were not fully able to communicate to people close to us the magnitude of the problem and thus the magnitude of God's deliverance. We want everyone to understand that this is a God-deal! The other regret is that Ruth will miss out on knowing her birth family while she is growing up. We will miss out, too. They are wonderful people! It has been over a month since the adoption decree was signed. We are still sorting through the gifts we have received. I am not talking about the baby blankets and outfits, although those are all very special and appreciated! I am talking about the gifts we have received from the Lord. We expected the baby to be the great gift and she definitely is a champagne child. She is an absolute sweetheart and brings us incredible joy. She came to us bundled with other gifts that we are still discovering. Like the gift of a birthmother who turns out to be not only the truest of friends, but our best advocate. Like the gift of prayers of many people across the country, most of whom we may never meet. Like the gift to be able to pray with and encourage others in the adoption process. Like the gift of a testimony and witness to others about God's power. It is all part of a gift of grace given by a perfect God to His very imperfect people. James 1:17 says: "Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow." It is true that the Giver is perfect and so are His gifts, but the receivers are definitely not! We named our two daughters Sarah and Ruth. The Bible tells us that these are two women who had to wait a LONG time for the blessing of children. They are not exactly known for their perfect patience or perfect faith while they were waiting either! They both did recognize that the Lord is the Giver of life and in their waiting, they learned to appreciate Him and His blessings all the more. He did bless them in His timing, with His plan, and by His grace. He used the sorrow of wanting and waiting for children to build character in their lives and so that they would give Him all the glory. Sorrows of some kind or another come to everyone. God gives believers a gift even in the midst of our sorrows and that is the ability to give Him the glory no matter what happens. Lots of people miss out on this gift because they are too busy feeling sorry for themselves. I speak from experience! Since sorrows are going to come anyway, I don't want to waste them and come through finding I haven't learned a thing! I have so far to grow in so many ways. Even with two children, I still have difficulty with pregnant women because I will never know what it's like to have life growing inside me. Sarah and Ruth had problems like that too, but did finally get to have that experience. The Lord has given me "gifts" and opened my eyes during times of sorrow. I don't admire those that take their children for granted because they never have to suffer to get them. I don't admire those that don't know what faith means because they never have it tested. I don't admire those that never have the system fail them and thus don't realize that God never fails! These are the kind of gifts that keep on giving throughout a lifetime.
All praise and glory to the Giver and His perfect gifts!
God Bless You All,
Christina
For more information please read Christina and Happening. We encourage you to prayerfully consider registering with our service, and/or writing to us.
adoption@christianadoption.com
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service ministry. We're helping others in the adoption
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