We are in a season of life where we know several families that are going through the tediously wonderful process of adoption. Between the financial needs, paperwork, stress, home studies, and interviews, I am in awe. I see couples doing something miraculous; being the hands, feet, and heart of Jesus. They are doing what God does with us: allowing a child to become a full and complete part of their home and hearts. These precious children have not done anything to deserve such a miraculous outpouring of love. And yet, I see moms, dads, siblings, grandparents, families and friends choosing to make a complete stranger a full-fledged family member. In this sacrificial process, I saw Jesus today.
I met a valuable, beautiful child that was viewed unworthy by some. This child had been labeled as special needs and had been literally cast aside. That same child is now labeled, ” an answer to prayer, a miracle, a blessing, and a gift from God.” As I talked to this child’s mom and dad ( whom, by the way, are super heroes to me), I have been thinking about how their love for this child is so like our Heavenly Father’s perfect love for us.
While talking to the father, I asked him if in this process of adoption, he has had time to “fall in love” with this child he didn’t know. His answer was, ” I decided when we started this process to love him. I decided I would love him.” I keep thinking about how God did that for you and me. Despite all that I am and all that I am not, God chose to love me. I am not worthy of that love, and yet, He loves me.
Romans 5:8 reminds me, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” It wasn’t when I was all together and deserving that God loved me. He chose to. He loved me as much at my lowest point as He does today and tomorrow, and forever. This child that has been adopted is now the full member of the family that chose him, even with absolutely nothing to give.
The mom told me a story about the child’s last physical. After examination, the doctor looked at her and said, “Are you sure that you want this one for your own?” The doctor saw brokenness; the mom sees potential. The doctor saw flaws; the mom sees beauty. The doctor saw the natural; this mom sees the supernatural. The doctor saw a child; the mom sees a miracle.
This precious family has chosen to follow God’s voice and walk by faith. They have changed the history of a child that most had given up on. I have a feeling that in this process of rescuing an orphan, their faith and their life story will never be the same. I am truly in awe and challenged to love deeper, trust more, and be obedient, especially when it is difficult to do so.
Today, I saw Jesus. I was reminded that those who accept Christ are all adopted into the family of God. Ephesians 1:4-6 reminds us, “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.”
Today, I was reminded that miracles still happen. I was reminded that God will move mountains to rescue one that is lost. I was reminded that family is not just DNA- it’s sacrifice and unconditional love. Today I saw the power of obedience, the blessing of community, and the promise in a child. Today, I saw remarkable faith in travel weary parents. I saw years of tears and prayers wrapped in the flesh of a little person that was formed by our Creator. Today friends, I saw Jesus.