Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Advocating for the Orphan: What I have learned this week
We have spent the better part of last week and this past weekend advocating for a little guy who was born last week and who essentially isn't wanted by his birth mother. Although I can't share many details here, I would ask those who can, to lift him up in prayer. It appears as if we have done all we can and that the state will now step in, but we know that no matter who appears to have control in the natural, that ultimately the Lord holds this little one in the palm of his hands. It has been a LONG LONG week. Lots of time has been spent on the phone, with lawyers, in meetings, etc. There have been many ups and downs for our family, but I wanted to share a little of what God has taught us through this.
Number one: The orphan crisis is everywhere and the body of Christ needs to be everywhere too - This call is not for some but for ALL.
I admit that sometimes I have a limited view of what this calling to "care for orphans" really is. I think too geographically or too much about what we want as a family, or what is comfortable for us. The truth is that down the street from our home there are orphans born all the time as there are orphans born around the world each day as well. It is everywhere, and the Lord needs us just to be willing. Willing to adopt, to foster, to pray, to hold and feed, to meet with birth moms, to change a diaper... the list goes on. We have watched the Lord raise up a spiritual army this week around this child. There are some in it that knew this is where God would want them, and others who find themselves surprised to be there. But it is neat to watch God at work as He shows us all that it takes us ALL to get the job done. There are so many needs that surround each of these little lives, and we should be there in whatever capacity we can. If we don't avail ourselves to this work, than who will? Sure each person is called to this in different ways, but have we made ourselves available? Are we willing to do whatever is needed in this crisis, regardless if it is next door or halfway around the world?
Number two: it is worth the fight.
I can tell you over just this past week, we have been overwhelmed even unto despair at this situation. "Why doesn't God just step in and do something?" we cry. We have pushed back because it seemed too much, but He just keeps giving us more to do or pray for. But the truth is, God never pushes back with us, so how can we look into the face of one of His precious children and say, "enough is enough"? There is a very real battle being fought for each orphan in the spiritual realm, and who do you think should be fighting this war? It's me and you, it's the body of Christ, we are the warriors God needs here. After all didn't He call us to take up our sword and sheild? We are the warriors, the question is can you and I see the battle and are we willing to fight until the Lord draws the white flag?
Number three: Advocating for the Orphan is not so much about the end result as it is in the little steps of victory.
Yes, we all want to see every child of God in a loving christian home. And yes a great end result is always our hope, but are we willing to take the next step? Are we willing to just love on a baby and care for a baby not seeing the end? I don't know about you, but this is a hard one for me. I want to know the end. I don't want to offer my heart if there are no guarantees. And while we should be wise and prudent to protect our hearts and family, can we still be willing to love like Jesus, with no conditions? God needs His people to be His heart expressed practically in love to orphans. He needs us to take off our blinders and human limitations and love like He will be back tomorrow. This is our job folks, the responsibility does not lie with the government or with some organization, it is us who should be His hands and feet. So weather it is adopting a baby from across the globe, or feeding a little one who has no mama by his side, or interceding on a orphans behalf, we just need to be there. We need to make ourselves available and ready and I think, God will do great things.
This week has been a good reminder that you can get no closer to God's heart than when you care for the heart of an orphan, because that little one is at the center of His Heart.
Number one: The orphan crisis is everywhere and the body of Christ needs to be everywhere too - This call is not for some but for ALL.
I admit that sometimes I have a limited view of what this calling to "care for orphans" really is. I think too geographically or too much about what we want as a family, or what is comfortable for us. The truth is that down the street from our home there are orphans born all the time as there are orphans born around the world each day as well. It is everywhere, and the Lord needs us just to be willing. Willing to adopt, to foster, to pray, to hold and feed, to meet with birth moms, to change a diaper... the list goes on. We have watched the Lord raise up a spiritual army this week around this child. There are some in it that knew this is where God would want them, and others who find themselves surprised to be there. But it is neat to watch God at work as He shows us all that it takes us ALL to get the job done. There are so many needs that surround each of these little lives, and we should be there in whatever capacity we can. If we don't avail ourselves to this work, than who will? Sure each person is called to this in different ways, but have we made ourselves available? Are we willing to do whatever is needed in this crisis, regardless if it is next door or halfway around the world?
Number two: it is worth the fight.
I can tell you over just this past week, we have been overwhelmed even unto despair at this situation. "Why doesn't God just step in and do something?" we cry. We have pushed back because it seemed too much, but He just keeps giving us more to do or pray for. But the truth is, God never pushes back with us, so how can we look into the face of one of His precious children and say, "enough is enough"? There is a very real battle being fought for each orphan in the spiritual realm, and who do you think should be fighting this war? It's me and you, it's the body of Christ, we are the warriors God needs here. After all didn't He call us to take up our sword and sheild? We are the warriors, the question is can you and I see the battle and are we willing to fight until the Lord draws the white flag?
Number three: Advocating for the Orphan is not so much about the end result as it is in the little steps of victory.
Yes, we all want to see every child of God in a loving christian home. And yes a great end result is always our hope, but are we willing to take the next step? Are we willing to just love on a baby and care for a baby not seeing the end? I don't know about you, but this is a hard one for me. I want to know the end. I don't want to offer my heart if there are no guarantees. And while we should be wise and prudent to protect our hearts and family, can we still be willing to love like Jesus, with no conditions? God needs His people to be His heart expressed practically in love to orphans. He needs us to take off our blinders and human limitations and love like He will be back tomorrow. This is our job folks, the responsibility does not lie with the government or with some organization, it is us who should be His hands and feet. So weather it is adopting a baby from across the globe, or feeding a little one who has no mama by his side, or interceding on a orphans behalf, we just need to be there. We need to make ourselves available and ready and I think, God will do great things.
This week has been a good reminder that you can get no closer to God's heart than when you care for the heart of an orphan, because that little one is at the center of His Heart.
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