Tough Questions

In our adoption journey, we face tough questions.  And the tough questions come from many angles, catching us off guard at times.  Every form we fill out is loaded with questions.  But questions help get to the heart of the matter.  Ever notice how often and effectively Christ used questions during His ministry on earth?  It’s been said that Christians have too many answers and we’d be well served to ask more questions, as Christ did.  Perhaps the best question of all time was one that Christ asked Peter (and I believe Christ asks each of us):  “But who do you say that I am?” Matthew 16:15.

Well-meaning relatives ask questions that range from helpful to hurtful. 

Acquaintances ask tough questions that are sometimes insightful and other times downright goofy.  When we stood before a Russian judge, we were asked questions that were confusing due to the language/translation barrier but also because of cultural differences.   We were quizzed at length about homeschooling and about why our doctors practiced medicine in one state but were licensed in another (a common trait of U.S. military medicine but foreign, literally, to a Russian judge).  Questions and more questions…

And the questions don’t stop after the adoption.  “Is she yours?”  “Will she grow up with a Russian accent?” “How will you explain to him about his ‘real’ parents?” During a gathering of our church adoption ministry, we asked families to recount the silliest question they were asked.  One family that was trained and skillful with blind children, sought out a blind little boy from Asia to adopt.  When they brought him home, the parents were asked if they planned to teach their (reminder; blind) boy sign language!  Goofy questions and more goofy questions….

While you wait, you must answer questions.  Comes with the territory.  Considering a career change, a friend of mine sent me some questions on how to discern God’s will and the steps ahead.  Though these questions were devised for a career-change scenario, I think they are great questions for anyone to consider when embarking on an adoption journey.

Have a look and see. 

Am I putting God desires ahead of my own?
Matthew 6:33.   "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

Will it help me to love God and others more?
Matthew 22:37-39.   And He said to him, " 'YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.' "This is the great and foremost commandment. "The second is like it, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.'

Will it help me to fulfill the Great Commission?
Matthew 28: 18-20.  “And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’"

Will it help me lead a more holy life?
1 Peter 1:15 15 “…but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior;”

Will this course of action increase my knowledge of Christ?
2 Peter 3:18  “…but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.”

Our prayer is that you will be drawn closer to the center of God’s will as you explore these questions.  May your answers bring glory and honor to God!

Comments

[Jason Kovacs]

Great questions to ask! I just posted some thoughts and notes on God's guidance - www.abbafund.wordpress.com

One variation is 'Will this help me treasure Christ more deeply?'

Thank you for your ministry and this God-centered perspective!

[sk30Lucy]

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