Sunday, June 3, 2012

What It Costs


Mark has told me recently that it seems we are taking one of the most difficult routes possible to bringing children into our home.  We don’t understand why we are on this road, but we’re here.  In his sermon (click here for an hour well spent), John Piper explains why adoption so clearly displays the gospel.  One of the points he makes is that adoption was for God and is for us, very costly.  Not just financially, but in so many other ways. 

This week I’m experiencing this cost.  I am emotionally and physically spent every day as I walk out of that orphanage.  I want our adoption story to exude the fragrance of Christ.  The contrast of our story in going to great lengths to give children a loving home is a huge juxtaposition to a culture where children are thrown to the side of the road because of a simple hole in their heart, a split lip or their gender.  I want Jesus’ love flowing through me and out of me each and every day.  However, the last few days, my fragrance of Christ has been more like a poopy diaper than a sweet aroma.  I’m so selfish.  I think “oh woe is me!  This is so tiring, so draining.  People should feel sorry for me.”  But that attitude is self-centered, not God-centered. 

So tonight, I’m reminding myself of the truths of God through Piper’s words.  No matter how much I’m giving of myself right now, I still haven’t shed my blood (other than for a few blood tests).  But my Savior has.  He shed His blood for me.  No matter how much trouble and how much it costs, it still hasn’t cost me my life.  Jesus shed His blood and gave His life so that I could become the Father’s daughter.  Surely, I can endure an exhausting week.

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