There are SO many children in need of a loving home--almost 150 million worldwide. This problem is complex and sadly most of these won't be adopted, but why aren't more families stepping up and providing loving homes for these little ones? I think sometimes we tend to overthink things and talk ourselves out of it. We feel like we have to have it all figured out before we take a leap of faith or that our life needs to be wrapped up perfectly with a nice, shiny bow that doesn't include taking a risk on an orphan who could "ruin" our family. We think we have to have our act together before we bring another child in to our home. We say that we'll do it someday, and then we get busy with other things and never take the initiative to pursue it. We see the cost involved and become overwhelmed. There's so much that can prevent solid, Christian families from adopting. Yet, there are SO many children yearning for and in need of a home. Take a look at this list of "special needs" children in China, and be reminded of a few of them.
God has these things to say in His word regarding orphans and adoption:
In you the orphan finds mercy.
--Hosea 14:3
Never take advantage of any widow or orphan. If you do and they cry out to me, you can be sure that I will hear their cry.
--Exodus 22:22-23
You are the helper of the fatherless. LORD, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will prepare their heart; You will cause Your ear to hear, To do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, That the man of the earth may oppress no more.
--Psalms 10:14,17-18
Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.
--James 1:27
Father to the fatherless, defender of widows — this is God, whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families.
--Psalms 68:5-6
When you are harvesting your crops and forget to bring in a bundle of grain from your field, don’t go back to get it. Leave it for the foreigners, orphans, and widows. Then the LORD your God will bless you in all you do.
--Deuteronomy 24:19
Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.
--Isaiah 1:17
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.
--Proverbs 31:8-9
And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me.
--Matthew 18:5
I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!
--Matthew 25:40
The call is clear, and I believe wholeheartedly that when you help orphans, you come close to the heart of God. I know He doesn't call everyone to adopt, but what else can we do to obey this command to defend the cause of the Fatherless? Check out this LIST to get some ideas.
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