The responsibility to provide is one that rests heavily on the father. Don’t fall victim to narrow thinking, that men only provide food, shelter, or money in the bank. We provide instruction. We provide discipline. We provide affection and love. We provide wisdom. We provide stability. When a man abandons a child he first abandons the weight of provision. To enter into the wonderful act of pro-creation without considering the weight of fatherhood is to neglect our responsibility, abuse our authority, and forsake future destiny.
Since Adam’s fall, men have surrendered their authority and abandoned their responsibility. It has become pervasive, a generational curse that is no respecter of cultures or social classes. Adam felt the weight to care for his wife, Eve, but I don’t believe he disobeyed for her sake. I think He did it because it was the easy thing to do. It’s much easier to give into sin than to war over what’s right, and the world has been flooded with men who are willing to abdicate morality for convenience ever since.
Adam didn’t provide leadership or properly care for, nurture, or instruct Eve. If he had, he would have knocked that stupid apple out of her hand and called on God for help. For some reason there was a part of Adam that wanted to do it on his own, wanted his independence, wanted to prove that he didn’t need God.
God is not insecure. He doesn’t need to be needed. He is complete with or without us, and this compels me to know Him even more. He desires to provide for us, knowing there is nothing we can give Him in return that will improve His situation. He cares for those who cannot care for themselves, and He is a father to the fatherless.
Is caring for the orphan biblical? Clearly.
I believe this is the starting point for any believer who feels prompted by the Holy Spirit to do something, anything, for orphans. And while many feel like something should be done, many get locked up figuring out what to do, or whether or not what they’re doing is actually making a difference.
God has called the modern day church to fill the responsibility gap left by Adam. He is calling on us to carry the weight of provision.
To be clear, caring for the orphan is not trendy. It’s not a political device to acquire more power, authority, or influence. At it’s core, caring for the orphan is deeply connected to Father’s God’s heart, but what does that mean? The answer is revealed in His name. He is Jehovah Jireh, OUR PROVIDER. It’s His nature to care for, provide for, love His children.
The moment Adam deserted his destiny God stepped in to assume the responsibility. Yes, He was always the provider, but He had intended man to rule in that role on earth. Caring for the orphan is a direct response to God’s identity, in that we are His image bearers.
Fatherlessness is not a cosmic coincidence. It’s a modern day reflection of Adam and the abandonment of God given, moral responsibility. It’s an inability or unwillingness, to carry the weight of provision. We repeat the Adamic mindset to this day - believing we were supposed to do it all on our own. That was never God’s intention, not then, not now.
I understand not everyone can adopt, just as I understand not everyone is called to travel to foreign lands to be a missionary. A common phrase is, “If you can’t go, give.” Our family embraces this and personally supports multiple missionaries. We aren’t called to go to Africa, Europe, or Asia, but we can support those who need it so they can answer God’s call.
Not everyone is called to adopt, but everyone can give. How?
Pray. No, this is not cliche. We partner with God to see His will accomplished on earth. However, you’ll not pray long before God transitions your prayers to action.
Care. Volunteer to host a respite night for foster and adoptive parents. Complete respite care certification so you can give a foster or adoptive parent a break for a night, day, or weekend. It will often mean more to them than any financial gift.
Participate. Attend fundraising 5k’s, be a part of Orphan Care Sunday, assist in backpack drives or plan a yard sale for a family in need.
Give. Support Christian adoption agencies financially in their mission, whether as a one time gift or recurring contribution. Give to friends or family members who are stepping out in faith to respond to the Holy Spirit. It’s incredibly expensive to adopt, and it’s the #1 deterrent for families who are interested.
Encourage. I’m 43 and have had both friends and family vocally express their disapproval, fears, and doubts concerning our decision to adopt. It’s one thing to feel condemnation when doing something wrong, but you don’t necessarily expect it from doing something right... something that would please Father God. If you know a foster or adoptive family, encourage them.
The weight of provision is not ours who carry alone, and that fact gives us peace in the midst of a harsh reality. We do not have the $40,000 needed to adopt a child. But He is our provider, and we are doing His will, so we know He will make a way.
We believe there is a child predestined to be in our care, and we can’t wait to tell him/her about Jehovah Jireh, but I our future child may see things differently.
They won’t focus on how God provided finances for us They’ll look at how God provided a family for them.
If you are interested in being a part of our story and would like to give, click the link below! We covet your prayers, encouragement, and care!
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