Douglas Young

When it comes to having children, in particular bringing children into the world, I often say, “My quiver is full” (cf. Ps. 127:5). But down deep inside, Tisha and I both have a yearning to adopt a child. If we do, we will wait until our children are old enough to understand, as much as they possibly can, the rationale behind it. If it goes as planned, we will not adopt an infant, but instead an older child—one that has slipped through the cracks.

Hopefully, we all feel for children without parents, regardless of how or why they are in the situations they’re in. Parentless children are most unfortunate. If you have never thought about a child who is orphaned or abandoned by dead-beat parents, the thought should bring sadness to your heart. And if for some reason, you feel as if you cannot sympathize with what I am expressing, then try empathizing with it instead.

You see, in a sense, all of us who were once lost but are now found, are adopted children. Sin creates a terrible chasm between God and man (Isa. 59:1-2; Eph. 2:11-12), leaving us spiritually alone, Fatherless in sense. But through the blood of Christ the chasm is traversed (v. 13). The process is redemption and adoption (Gal. 4:5; Eph. 1:5). Our disposition becomes one of adoption, and no longer one of bondage (Romans 8:15). The terminology could not be any clearer.

By faith, we become “children of God” (Gal. 3:26-27). He is our Father, unto whom we cry, “Abba” (Rom. 8:15; Gal. 4:6), and with Him, no earthly relationship can compare. He is our heavenly Father and we are His children. The thought alone is one that should give us chills.

So all of us should understand, at least to a certain degree, having been Fatherless once and in need of spiritual adoption, what it is like for any child to not have parents. Adoption is a great thing. It gives a child hope, and of course, that is a good thing; for all of us need hope. For this reason, it is a concept to which we should cling. Fortunately, we have hope through having been adopted by God. Therefore, let us never take it for granted!

At the close of the Civil War, the following was found in the pocket of a Confederate soldier,

I asked God for strength, that I might achieve;

I was made weak, that I might learn to humbly obey.

I asked for health, that I might do greater things;

I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.

I asked for riches, that I might be happy;

I was given poverty, that I might be wise.

I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men;

I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.

I asked for all things that I might enjoy life;

I was given life that I might enjoy all things.

I got nothing I asked for but everything I had hoped for.

Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.

I am, among men, most richly blessed.

What we have in mind for ourselves, and what God has in mind for us, aren’t always the same. Moses seemed content as a shepherd in Midian, but God saw greater things for him (Exo. 3). Paul had Bythinia in his preaching sights, but God’s alternative was Macedonia (Acts 16:6-10). I suppose the sooner we accept that God might have something else in store for us, the sooner we’ll be able to recognize what God might be doing in our lives for our benefit. This is the beauty of God’s direction. Do we see it for what it is? Can we accept life’s alternatives?

I don’t have a clue where I got this, nor who the author is, but I’ve used it repeatedly over the years as a part of funeral service. I love it. Hope you will to!

You and I have been together a long time in a most intimate and valuable relationship. Now you have grown old. Your hearing and strength are failing. Your resistance to cold is diminishing. You cannot climb and run as you once did. In a word, you are running down. In a short time you will cease to breath and your heart will stop beating. When you can go no further, you will be returned to the substance of which you were made, and I shall continue on in that life where you are not needed. A Power greater than us both started us on this journey together.

Now I recognize that you are aware of the fact that your journey is nearing its end, while my journey has scarcely begun. I know this to be true, for while you are feeble, I have never been more alive. Our separation, therefore, cannot be one of sadness, but will be one of joy. You are weary and want to stop. I am longing to alight from this slowing vehicle and go on without you. Death will mean that your desire to stop is granted, and my longing is satisfied.

It’s often said that the Bible is an antiquated book that lacks the ability to speak to us today, but this is hardly the case. The biblical narratives afford us with real hope for real problems. Consider the following:

1. The Effects of Infidelity (Genesis 16)
2. How to Cope with Complete Bankruptcy (The book of Job)
3. How to Cope with the Loss of an Infant Child (2 Samuel 12:15-23)
4. When You Can’t Forgive Yourself (John 21:15-24)
5. Hope to Not to Cope with the Loss of a Job (Story of King Saul)
6. When You Question Your Convictions (Matthew 11:1-15)
7. Where To Go When Your Depressed (1 Kings 19:1-18)

Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, sine they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.

I Peter 3:7, ESV

All sorts of things can hinder a prayer life. For sure, the guilt and shame of failures lead one to be hesitant in prayer, especially, when thinking about a prayer life with another person. I can’t help but think that this is certainly true when it comes to a husband and wife praying together.

Apart from God, who knows you like your spouse? Your spouse knows your tells. Your spouse understands your tendencies.  Your spouse can hear in the tone of your voice when something isn’t quite right. Moreover, your spouse most always sees through the facades you knowing and unknowingly erect to protect yourself. So when a couple isn’t dwelling together “in an understanding way,” things aren’t going to be the same, especially, when it comes to prayer. Shame causes us to be reluctant to enter into the house of prayer with one we love!

Father…Help us to not let the failure of unmet standards inhibit our prayer lives!

Last year, in a conversation with a friend, he posed a series of questions that have haunted me ever since. I have posed them myself to others in various situations to get feedback. Unfortunately, the looks on the faces of hearers say it all.

I don’t know who first raised these questions, so I can’t give them credit, but I am glad that they are being thrown out there and are making people think. These two questions are important because they get to the heart of where churches stand in their communities.

For some of us, sticking our heads in the sand is no longer an option. The church is the body of Christ in the world. Heaven’s reign should guide and govern every single member of this body, as they seek to bring the offering of Christ to those who need him. God is reconciling the world to himself (2 Cor. 5:18-19). He’s bringing heaven to earth (Matt. 6:10), hope for the helpless (Eph. 4:4), and rest for the weary (Matt. 11:28-30). I’ve heard it said, “The church doesn’t have an outreach program; it is an outreach program.” This is true and the NT testifiies to it.

So I pose the two questions to you for your consideration. Think about them, and if you don’t like the answers, then do something about it.

If your church closed its doors after this Sunday, and never opened them again, would your community notice? Moreover, would the community even care?

I hadn’t seen her smile as much…ever. Of course, I wasn’t around for the first 10 years of her life. I wasn’t present to witness her holding each of her four children for the first time either. We haven’t lived in the same town since the 90s, so I don’t know everything about what’s brought her happiness. But I do know that I hadn’t seen her smile as much…ever.

This past weekend I was blessed to officiate my oldest sister’s wedding and I learned about the power of a smile. Friday evening (rehearsal/dinner) and Saturday morning (the day of the wedding) were filled with smiles. Powerful smiles. My sister’s happiness was contagious. Virtually everyone I spoke with had something to say about it. It spread like wildfire.

She deserves it. I am so happy for her and Harvey. They are bringing people together in wonderful ways. I shall never forget August 1, 2009. I learned the power of the smile.

Have fun y0u two! Love you both!