The Spirit of Adoption
The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15
He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will. Ephesians 1:5
“I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters.” Says the Lord Almighty. 2 Corinthians 6:18
Adoption is a beautiful thing. There is no ministry or calling that mirrors the love of God and work of Jesus more so than adoption. We have become the sons and daughters of God, because Jesus provided a way for us to be adopted into the family of God.
At Stanton, we believe that every human life has value, and cooperate with local adoption ministries through referrals. We know there are many discussions about the high financial cost of private adoptions, and having walked through it with some clients, have heard of the exorbitant fees and legal hoops that an adoptive family and birthmother must jump through.
However, we have also seen the many other options. Foster care and foster-adoption are alternatives to private adoption, and the financial costs are basically zero. Many children await loving homes in the foster care system. A number of children are also in border detention facilities, having been intercepted at the U.S. border, and are available to foster families. Many people don’t know this.
Yes, adoption is hard, and so is foster parenting, but we who are adopted into the family of God are called to do just this. To step in to help the widow, the orphan, the ‘least’ of these.
Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. James 1:27
In the Mobile ministry, we have seen many abortion-minded women choose to parent their children instead of abort. We would love to see more of the abortion-minded women choose adoption if parenting is not a workable solution for them. Pray that we will be able to reach more women with the good news of adoption, and if the Lord is moving on your heart in this way, look into it. Your county social services can get you started in the process of becoming a foster parent. Many children need just what your loving home can offer them. A clean bed, a hot meal, and the love of Jesus is something many of them do not experience.
He has called us to this work. We care for the mothers and for their babies, helping them to see the way they can choose Life. Lord, help us to increase Your Spirit of Adoption!