The Bitter Cup of Adoption
Jesus was overwhelmed by trouble and sorrow as he prayed in the garden of Gethsemane. In his severe pain he felt he could die. He knew the torture he would suffer at the hands of those he came to love and save. He anticipated rejection by his best friends who would scatter during his crucifixion. He faced the separation from his loving Father as he died. Overcome by dread, he prayed, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me.”
I hear your stories–you who are longing for escape from the grief and trouble you carry as adoptive parents. You feel wounded by your kids, who unleash the pain of their past on you as you try to love them. Your help, support, teaching, and kindness are rejected. In their brokenness, kids choose hostility over love, foolish choices over wisdom, and self-destruction over healing and wholeness. Treatment plans and services fail to make a difference. You’re angry and disappointed that adoption brought chaos into your home. In your heart you pray like Jesus for the bitter cup you’re drinking to be taken away.
As you struggle in this place of darkness, hope is found in the resurrection power of Jesus. Just as he was raised from death to life and is coming again, the best is still to come.
God will finish the work he started. (Philippians 1:6)
He will use everything for your good in the end since you love him. (Romans 8:28)
He will give grace that’s enough for today. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
He will wipe every tear from your eyes. (Revelation 21:4)
He will give you a cup that overflows with blessing. (Psalm 23:5)
He will never let anything come between you and his love. (Lamentations 3:22-23)
Today, bring your bruised and battered heart to Jesus. Let him be the cup that satisfies your thirst for peace and hope. (John 6:35) Place your child in his loving, powerful hands. Release your future to his control. Receive the strength, wisdom, and comfort he offers for the taking. Come to life again as he pours his love into you.
As for me, I will always have hope;
I will praise you more and more.
Though you have made me see troubles,
many and bitter,
you will restore my life again;
from the depths of the earth
you will again bring me up.
You will increase my honor
and comfort me once more.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
(Psalm 71:14,20-21, 23:6)
Beautiful – thank you for sharing this. What a great connection – the hope of resurrection, redemption and new life! xo
Thank you, Ellen! There is no pit so deep that Jesus’ love can’t find us. Thankful for this week of Easter where we can remember, again, where hope is found. Bless you as you love your dear family.