Rescuing a Child
(S) Scripture
Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
(O) Observation
In his discussion about faithful living Paul reminds us to continue doing good even when it seems to be fruitless. There is something about being persistent that God honors.
(A) Application
Last week Becky and I were in Louisiana to support our daughter and son-in-law during the adoption hearing for their little girl. Let me explain. Over three years ago they got custody of my son-in-law's then two year old niece. Her mother had been arrested and was incarcerated. The court gave full custody to Ryan and Sarah. The little girl was a mess and a behavioral challenge. In her nearly three years she had learned that to get her way she would simply scream. She had not received any of her infant shots and was simply a "wild child". Sarah and Ryan had been married only six months when they got her. Those first few months were a real challenge and they sought to be consistent and give the girl some stability. Jump forward now three years later and the change is tremendous. Grayce is now in kindergarten and excelling in her work. She is reading and doing simple math. She is well behaved and has not had one behavioral incident at school. She has been rescued from an awful future to now a promising one. In December of 2008 Sarah and Ryan began the adoption process. The mother made no attempt at contact for two years and since has only made a couple of weak attempts. The hearing on the adoption has been rescheduled now four times. This past Friday was supposed to be the day the case would be heard. Another case was placed in front of ours and it was going to take all day to hear and the judge decided to reschedule our case again. We have been given a priority hearing in June. According to the judge's instruction the clerk is not to schedule anything in front of our case on that day.
Each time we are to appear in court we get geared up mentally for that appearance. The highs and lows of getting geared up and then rescheduled is emotionally taxing. We just want this finalized. The court system can be frustrating but we cannot let that keep us from continuing to do good. Fact is that Sarah and Ryan still have full custody of Grayce and we will have our day in court in June. They will continue to build into her life and continue the work of parenting. Grayce calls them Mommy and Daddy and that has not changed. She is in a loving home and we will not give up until the adoption is complete. The disappointment of last Friday pales in comparison to the joy of hearing Grayce call me Papa. A lady in our church described this as another Moses story. Moses was rescued from the river and certain death by Pharaoh's daughter. Grayce was rescued much the same by Ryan and Grayce. The tasks of reshaping her behavior have not been easy but Sarah and Ryan have done an incredible job. Grayce has a bright future because Sarah and Ryan understood that it was God's will for them to pour their lives into this little one. As tired as the court system can make us we will not grow weary in doing good because it is our calling and the life of a little girl is in the balance.
(P) Prayer
Lord, thank you for bringing Grayce into our lives. Thank you for giving Sarah and Ryan the strength, stamina and grace to raise this child. Now I ask that you renew our strength and resolve to continue to good knowing that you walk with us every step of the way. Teach us to be content with your timing and not frustrated by our own. Give us grace and strength for each day. Amen
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