This article is my first draft of an article that will be appearing in our adoption agency’s newsletter.  I wanted to share this with you, whether your child is biological or was adopted.  It is a good message for all kinds  families that have come together in all kinds of ways.

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Many of us have heard the tale of the man who looked at the back of a weaver’s masterpiece.  Seeing only a mass of jumbled threads, he offered criticism to the artist.  When the piece was turned around, revealing the beautiful picture on the other side, the man was astounded- realizing the wisdom and foresight of the craftsman.

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Many unknowns exist in the adoption process.  Honestly, almost just as many  exist when you welcome a biological child, but I have to admit there are a few more unknown factors in adoption.  If you don’t know what I’m talking about, I’m sure family or friends will be happy to remind you about the mystery of genetics, or legal risk, or prenatal care and developmental windows that may have been missed.

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I think sometimes, that while “unknowns” can scare us, they can also reassure us.  We have two children that were adopted and two that are biological.  They all have some sort of special health need.  If I had been faced in advance with the details of their lives, I may have worried a little more.  For me, the unknown is wonderful, because I simply place my faith in God to craft the future in a way that brings him glory and accomplishes his purposes here on earth.  I can take things day by day.  Had I known in advance about the surgeries, therapies, and restrictions on food and activities that our family would face, I may have spent a few more sleepless nights worrying about what was to come.

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In Ephesians 1:5, we find the familiar Bible verse on adoption.  I like the way the NLT translates the last half, “ God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.”  It gave him great pleasure. God had no unknowns.  He knew when we would please him and when we would fail him.  He knew when we would praise him and when we would deny him.  And yet, our adoption still gave him great pleasure.

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Through our children’s experiences with disability and chronic health problems, our family has been able to start a non profit, Signposts Ministries.  We minister to families of children with disabilities or chronic health problems in a variety of ways- physically, financially, emotionally, and spiritually.  One of our most important projects is the development of Bible studies and daily devotions for both parents and children.  Support and education is offered for folks facing anything from cerebral palsy, to food allergies, to learning disabilities.

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Signposts Ministries is based in Indian Trail, NC, but our reach extends from the US to other countries.  We will not limit God.  If you would like more information, please contact us at: info@signpostsministries.org.  We have had the privilege of already seeing how our ugly unknowns are being turned into a blessing.

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If you fear the unknown, I urge you to let go of that fear.  Perfect loves casts out all fear (1 John 4:18).  God will take your unknowns and weave them into a beautiful masterpiece.  Despite what you may face in the future, in the scope of kingdom purposes, your adoption will also bring “great pleasure”.

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One day, it will all look beautiful “from the front”.