Prayers Uniquely Answered, Still Praying for Wisdom

Obviously Tuesday has come and gone. We've had no clear direction as of yet, but we had a slightly different answer to prayer. Emmy's case worker brought the form (Form 149) on Tuesday. Since my husband was at work, she had to leave the form with me and won't need the form returned to her until Monday. After reading over the form, it isn't nearly as urgent or binding as originally communicated to us. It is more of a notification of the case plan than a commitment of any kind. The commitment is coming, for sure, but yesterday was not the day.

That being said, there is an addendum to the form in which we could opt to sign and waive our right to adopt Emmy. In a way, by not signing that addendum, we are expessing an interest in adopting. This is much more in keeping with our current stance on the issue. We would have a difficult time signing a statement in the affirmative, but we have no problem not signing this addendum. I hope that makes sense.

Our basic thought process at the moment is this: We adore Emmy. We will be heartbroken to see her go. Also, when we take a close look at the gospel, we don't see any better way for our family to picture the gospel than by adopting Emmy as our own child. That being said, we also know that we are bound to be presented with adoption repeatedly as foster parents. Surely, Christ has not called us to adopt every single child who is placed in our home and seeking a permanent placement. The more we talk about it and think through the scenarios, the more we both feel compelled that we need to have clear direction from the Holy Spirit on this issue. None of the pros and none of the cons matter if we know which way the Lord is leading. The Lord has chosen a family for Emmy form the beginning of time. We want to hear His voice telling us we are that family or that there is another family intended for Emmy. We realize, however, that sometimes the Lord intentionally leads us down paths that are not brightly illuminated. For that reason, we have decided that our default answer will be a bold "yes" rather than a timid or fearful "no." We know that adoption is in keeping with the commands of scripture, and we would rather err on the side of bold obedience to scripture than on the side of perhaps comfort, logic, and timidity.

This is where we stand, but we count it an answer to prayer that we are not yet faced with a definitive decision. We are confident that the Lord will reveal His will to us in His perfect timing, whatever that may be. We look forward to the day when we will be able to boast in the Lord's miraculous faithfulness to us through this process.

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, 

who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."

James 1:5