What If You Were The Plan?Sample

Our family portrait is somewhat unusual. My husband and I have only been married to each other but we have eight children originating from three continents. It takes most people a few seconds to pick up their jaw when I spring that information on them. Don’t make the normal assumptions. Neither of us wanted children. I don’t even think we like kids. But there was a seed planted when I was nineteen of an orphan crisis in China, and I knew that somewhere down the road, I wanted to be a part of the solution. 

Fifteen years later I found myself on an airplane with my spouse and a couple of kids to do just that. Two years later we did it again. Within the next three years we went totally berserk and brought home a sibling set of four. Let me help you with the math. That’s six new additions within six years, one of whom was special needs. 

The most frequently asked question is, “I don’t know how you do it?” I usually respond with a practiced grace-filled answer. I know that’s not really the question they’re asking. They want to know why. 

Why would we take our perfectly normal family and turn it upside and then shake it silly?

Because:

If you could see what we have seen…

If you could know what we know… 

Then you, too, might consider doing what we’ve done. 

At some point on the journey toward the Promised Land, faith begins to cost something. 

Oh, it’s totally worth it! That’s the message of Hebrews through each account of those who have gone before us. Still we cannot deny that discipleship to Christ will always require putting aside our own agendas, pursuits, or pleasures. 

Moses was a prime example. 

Moses refused a prestigious identity to embrace one of ridicule and oppression. He rejected the sinful ways of his pagan surroundings and chose devotion to God. He was able to see what other people could not perceive. And it was costly. 

The road toward the Promised Land always requires exchanging our personal goods, some accolades, maybe even leaving some positions and pleasures behind to embrace what most people can’t see. 

May God give you faith to see beyond the cost of embracing His best for your life.