Are you called to adoption? Many people feel a desire to become parents, but far fewer feel a calling to become adoptive parents. The Lord has placed a deep yearning in the hearts of these people to love and nurture a child who is not biologically theirs.
If the Lord has called you to be adoptive parents, we’re happy to provide you the answers to your Christian adoption questions!
“And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.”
-Matthew 18:5
1. Is God calling me to be an adoptive parent?
Some people have experienced difficulties having children, and know that adoption is their opportunity to hold a child in their arms. Others feel a pull in their heart to expand existing families. Single mothers and even grandparents may hear God calling them to parent an adopted child. If you believe God is calling you to adopt, pray that God’s plans be revealed to you.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord,
plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
-Jeremiah 29:11
2. Is it the right time for us to adopt a child?
For parents who have experienced infertility issues, time to grieve the loss of a biological child is an important process. Repeated failures at costly fertility treatments can lead to emotional and financial stress, and rushing into adoption proceedings may not be ideal immediately after unsuccessful fertility attempts. Take the time to pray to come to terms with infertility and allow yourself the time to go through the grieving process if you need it.
God’s timing may not always be in line with our own timing. If you are questioning whether or not it is a good time for you to adopt, trust that God has a purpose and plan for you and your adoptive journey. Give God your adoption questions, hopes and fears, and have faith in His desire to give you His blessing.
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.”
-Ecclesiastes 3:1
3. Can we afford adoption?
Adoption costs may seem like an obstacle towards realizing your call to be a parent, particularly for couples who have already invested a tremendous amount of resources in fertility treatments. A recent report from Adoptive Families Magazine found that domestic infant adoption costs an average of $43,000. Adopting a baby or child from another state can add travel and additional legal fees, and some adoptive parents offer to pay expenses for the birth mother, as well.
Various options to finance adoption are available, including Christian adoption loans or grants. Some employers offer adoption benefits that can be used towards fees, and government subsidies are available to make adoption affordable. Another way to make your Christian adoption affordable is to start saving towards it; set a household budget and do away with extra, unnecessary expenses each month. Cutting out movies, lattes, and meals out, or carpooling to save gas can help you allocate money towards your adoption fees. Pray for financial wisdom and creative solutions towards adoption financing.
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”
-Matthew 7:7-8
4. What if adoption doesn’t happen for us?
The greatest struggle parents can go through during the adoptive process is doubt and fear. What if the birth mother changes her mind? What if we can’t come up with the fees? Will our family accept our decision?
Trusting in God’s plan and acknowledging that God is in control can help when you are overcome by fears. Be strong in your faith, knowing that God has called you to not just any child, but to a particular child that needs your love and nurturing.
“Do not let your heart be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.”
-John 14:1
If God is calling you to be a parent of an adopted child, offer your adoption questions and fears to Him daily in prayer. If you are resolute and steadfast in your decision, the blessing of an adopted child will come to you.
“Everything is possible for him who believes.” Mark 9:23
We’d love to answer your questions about Christian adoption!
Call Lifetime Adoption at 1-800-923-6784 to get info, ask your questions and discover how you can be blessed by adoption.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on March 10, 2015, and has since been updated.
As Vice President of Lifetime Adoption, Heather Featherston holds an MBA and is passionate about working with those facing adoption, pregnancy, and parenting issues. Heather has conducted training for birth parent advocates, spoken to professional groups, and has appeared on television and radio to discuss the multiple aspects of adoption. She has provided one-on-one support to women and hopeful adoptive parents working through adoption decisions.
Since 2002, she has been helping pregnant women and others in crisis to learn more about adoption. Heather also trains and speaks nationwide to pregnancy clinics to effectively meet the needs of women who want to explore adoption for their child. Today, she continues to address the concerns women have about adoption and supports the needs of women who choose adoption for their child.
As a published author of the book Called to Adoption, Featherston loves to see God’s hand at work every day as she helps children and families come together through adoption.
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