REACHING FORTH
…reaching forth unto those things which are before,…
Philippians 3:13c
Written by Deborah.
6/30/02
Competition: A striving or vying with another or others for profit, prize, position, or the necessities of life: rivalry. The rivalry between two or more parties striving for the same market. (American Heritage Dictionary)
The adoption process is an emotional challenge, but even more of a mental challenge. As a Christian believer, we have the added responsibility to conduct our lives (thoughts) according to the example of our Lord Jesus Christ. As Christians we also have the privilege of receiving eternal rewards for our Christ-like behavior.
There is no competition between God's children, for our heavenly Father owns the cattle on a "1000" hills. He is full of mercy, His compassions fail not and they are new every morning. He faithfully hears the prayers and petitions of His people. His timing is perfect, His ways are higher, and He never forsakes His children.
As a member in the body of Christ, and a member of our Christian Adoption family, one is wise to guard their thought life against competitiveness. For to feel competition with one another, is to declare that God is a respecter of persons and will not deliver each and every one of His children.
It happens in waves. There will be a batch of birthmom contacts and those that are competitive in their thinking begin to get anxious. A group of CA couples become "matched" and a handful feel deep anguishing doubt about whether they'll ever be "matched". One period of time (a week, a month, a season) will yield a lot of births and successful placements, during which time the minds and hearts of others are languishing and almost frantically asking, "What's wrong with us?" Then there are occasions when a bunch of couples come online with CA, and a wave of competitive thinking reverberates through our CA family, like ripples on a pond.
Competitiveness of this kind is a result of fear. Fear that one is not "good" enough. Fear that one's turn will never come. Fear of the future because of the past. Fear from a sense of unfairness. Fear that one is being over looked by the administrator of CA, and more importantly is forgotten by God. Fear that God will not direct enough birthmoms to CA for EVERYONE. Fear that one isn't pretty enough, rich enough, worthy enough, or something enough to be chosen by a birthmom. Fear is "sand in the mental machinery of life" for the Christian.
The only way to fight this kind of mental fear is with the power of God's Matchless Word. It is the personal responsibility of each Christian to choose to FIGHT the mental fears that contradict and defeat the Christian. I pray that the following verses will help you overcome the ripples of fear that may pervade your thinking.
I can do all things through Christ, which strengtheneth me.
Philippians 4:13
If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be like minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 2:1-5
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee, for my strength is made perfect in weakness (humility).
II Corinthians 12:9a
Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
Philippians 4:6-9
Allen & Janice shared a true "benchmark" statement: "Wow! God sure is going to send a lot of birthmoms to Christian Adoption, to answer the prayers of all His children."
Yes, Allen & Janice, you are so right.
For more information please read C'mon and Footprints. We encourage you to prayerfully consider registering with our service, and/or writing to us.
adoption@christianadoption.com
A non-profit Christian and Internet
service ministry. We're helping others in the adoption
process.
1.800.277.7006 620.251.4405
Eddie & Deborah S. Hill P.O. Box 243 Coffeyville, KS 67337
www.christianadoption.com adoption@christianadoption.com
