Uncertainties in Adoption

From the very beginning of your adoption journey until the day your adoption is finalized, there will be uncertainties. But the current situation in our country stirs up some unique unknowns. And let's face it-we hate uncertainty. We want to know what's going to happen, how it's going to happen, and when it's going to happen. As an Adoption Consultant with CAC, I know there are many questions right now. But here's the thing: the uncertainties in adoption, no matter how hard they are, are also opportunities for us to look to Jesus and proclaim the trustworthiness of God. What does that look like for us right now?

1.  Remember who God has been in the past.
"For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:6-8

Let's start at the Gospel: when you were far from Him, God sent Jesus to die in your place and take the punishment for your sins. In His great love, He made you His child forever! He loves you so much that He sacrificed His Son for you. That is who God has been in your past. He has met your greatest need by sending Jesus! Now, let's look more specifically at your adoption story: how has God shown you His love, His provision, His presence so far in your adoption journey?

2. Remind yourself of who God is in the present.
"But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: the steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:21-23  

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1

God is the God of steadfast love and it's a love that will never stop. God is the God of a mercy that does not end. God is faithful; nothing will stop His faithfulness. God is our refuge and our strength. God is a very present help in trouble. This is all because of Jesus! Remind yourself of these truths of who God is right now. What about during your adoption journey today? How have you seen Him showing His steadfast love, mercy, and faithfulness today? How have you seen Him be your refuge, strength and very present help today? Call it to mind and thank Him for who He is.

3. Remind yourself who God will always be.
"For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews 13:9

Whatever comes, nothing will be able to separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Unchanging, full of love, your provider, with you, steadfast in love and mercy, faithful, your refuge and strength, your present help in trouble: God will always be these things! Whatever uncertainty you have right now in your adoption journey-remind yourself of who God will always be.

4. Wisely do your research and take recommended precautions.
The directors at CAC recently shared this statement regarding families considering traveling for an adoption: "In the current environment, it’s important for all of us to remain vigilant and take the recommended safety precautions including adoption travel plans. We are recommending families with pending travel plans consult with your agency/attorney and frequently check/follow the health authorities (such as your local health officials, CDC, State Department, etc) guidelines and restrictions for travel as well as check with your airlines for up to date travel information during this time." Regarding any other questions you have right now about uncertainties pertaining to your adoption, check with the adoption professionals (agency/home study provider/attorney, etc) connected with your adoption for guidance.

5.  Prayerfully seek God for direction and help.
"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

"The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:5,6

God wants us to come to Him with the concerns on our hearts. He is here with us and wants to give us His peace. Bring to Him the uncertainties you're walking through right now. Seek Him for guidance and help. God loves to give us wisdom as we ask. He is able to guard your heart and your mind.

Adoption is stressful enough without adding in a pandemic! But even in the midst of uncertainties, we can look to Jesus and find peace. God loves adoption and that has not changed! Let's go to Him and remind ourselves who God has been in the past, who He is right now, and who He will always be. Let's wisely do our research and take recommended precautions. And let's prayerfully seek God for wisdom and help.

"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you." Isaiah 26:3

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For more information about domestic adoption, please contact me at katief@christianadoptionconsultants.com