Am I Called to Adopt?

Not everyone is called to adopt, but every believer is called to do something. In James 1:27 we read that pure and undefiled religion is to visit the widow and the orphan in their time of need. The universal calling for God’s people is to visit those in need.  When considering the orphan/foster child, we have the tendency to think of only two solutions - adoption and residential care - when in fact there are hundreds of legitimate ways to respond.  This is what we consider “Adoptive Love” - the scope of ways to visit, from a cup of cold water to adoption.  

From Heaven’s perspective, adoptive love is made up of two pillars: First, God adopted us for salvation.  Second, God's people showing the Father's love for one another.

In this everyone will know that you are my disciples: if you have love for one another. ” John 13:35

So we say, “on earth as in heaven,”  and apply adoptive love in two ways: 1) adoption or preservation of the family and 2) support for the family.  Global stats show that roughly 1 in 10 Christian families need to adopt so that all orphans and vulnerable children have a loving home.  This leaves 9 out of 10 Christian families to support those in need, so that the world knows us by our love!

Keep in mind, we primarily respond to the call, not the need.  Burnout happens when we see all the needs around us and try to fix them in our own strength.  The Messianic complex is real. The false impression that I can save people, when there is only one who can save - Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God and the Son of Man.  

So let’s define the question, “Am I called to adopt?” Pray over this question. Don’t rush the answer if it doesn’t come right away.  Seek counsel from pastors, elders, mentors and loved ones. Define how you discovered other callings in your life.  How did you come to faith in God? How did you discover your vocation? How did you know your spouse was the one you wanted to marry? Gain insight into how you receive your calling, and how God reveals your calling to you.  

If you sense a calling to adopt, then pray about it, seek advice from mentors and friends and move forward.  If you’re not called to adopt, then don’t!  Instead, visit a family in need with the assurance that God has called you to do that. Also, revisit this question “Am I called to adopt?’ every couple years in your 20’s, 30’s and 40’s. Most people are never called to take a child into their home, but all God’s people are called to visit the widow and the orphan.