Spirit of Adoption - Jodie Nixon

In love He predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His will, to the praise of His glorious grace, with which He has blessed us in the Beloved. - Ephesians 1:5-6

A common comment we receive when discussing Caleb's adoption goes something like, "This is a wonderful thing you are doing for him. His life will be so much better now." I understand and appreciate these types of comments and agree that it is good to adopt and that chances are he may have more opportunity in his life. However, a more detailed explanation of why Carrie and I have adopted must be communicated. Our motivation to adopt was not to do a good thing or provide someone opportunity. Plain and simple this is an act of obedience on our part. We were directed by God (separately I might add) to adopt. This is not our idea, it is His idea. His plan, not ours. The obvious question one can ask is how do you know God directed you to do this? Many people adopt who do not believe in God. This is a valid point. One of a few responses I have is that from the moment Carrie and I agreed we were to adopt, I have witnessed an organized, well designed plan that led us to Caleb. What I'm trying to communicate is that from the moment we said yes, we had very little input. We reviewed one adoption file, it was Caleb's. The 18 month process took 7. The financial requirements were provided without worry. This was an incredible lesson of resting in the will of God. This is my testimony. You can say that all of this can be accomplished without a God. And that is your right, given by Him. But what will you say on the day that Caleb stands and confesses Jesus Christ as His Savior and He tastes the waters of baptism? On that day we will know for sure, when we see Ephesians 1:5-6 come to fruition in Caleb's life. On that day, the evidence will speak for itself.