Faith Journey-Day 3

Day 3- The Master Dot Connector

Yesterday’s devotion was about self-imposed “extreme guilt syndrome” and/or a heart check regarding sin. Difficult, I know. But, so necessary to our faith journey with The Lord.

Today, we will celebrate His active work in our lives as the Master Dot Connector! I am sure there are seasons in which we feel overwhelmed by what seems like random chaos in our lives. You can be confident, there is absolutely nothing random about our God. He was actively orchestrating His Master Dot Connecting skills in our lives even before we were born.

I am adopted. My parents tried for six years to have children of their own. At their last appointment, the doctor told them that he had exhausted all options. He, then,  handed my mom a piece of paper containing the name and number of an adoption agency.

Six months later, they adopted me into their family. I love God’s divine plan but, also, snicker at  His sense of humor. Nine months after bringing me home, my mom was pregnant with my middle sister. And four years after that…OOPS! She was pregnant with my baby sister. My dad, bless his heart, was overrun with females. Even our dogs were female.

I always knew I was adopted. My parents did not keep that a secret from me. I was never made to feel “lesser than” my sisters. Through the years, I had questions about my birth parents and all the natural inquisitions about who I might look like. However, I was simply curious. It was never because I felt unloved or unwanted.

At age 18, my mom and I started a search for my birth parents with the adoption agency… nothing came of it. And life went on. I started college, married Ron, and then our Ryan came storming into our lives.

At around 3 months old, Ryan  had an  appointment with a geneticist. The purpose of this visit was to see if Ryan’s heart condition might be connected to a syndrome.

I was not prepared for the litany of questions regarding mine and Ron’s familial health history. I sat and listen intently as Ron recalled his family history to the best of his recollection. Then it was my turn…I had nothing. I explained that I was adopted and had no medical history. The geneticist’s next words hit me like a brick, “it might be time to have your birth records unsealed.” That just seemed like and overwhelming and daunting task at that time.

After the appointment, Ron went back to work and I headed home with a very tired and irritable Ryan. Maybe The Lord sensed my mounting stress…and decided to unburden me. Of course, I can only speculate on that. But, His timing was certainly awe-worthy to say the least, because that afternoon my phone rang,

“Hello, I’m not sure if you remember me but you and you mom started a search for your birth parents with our agency several years ago. We have just put in place a new search program for those wanting to find their biological parents and you came to my mind. I have found your birth mother and she is anxious to speak with you. Would you like her phone number?”

Ummm…YES, please!

This sweet lady at the agency had no idea how her obedience to the Holy Spirit’s prompting would lighten this girl’s load and minster to my spirit. I was able to share with her just what amazing timing she had through the Lord. She was a Christian and we shared a sweet time of prayer together before we hung up the phone.

That evening with my mom and hubby present, I called my biological mom, Ann. We talked for a long time. We shared and cried, shared and cried. Ann carried a huge amount of guilt about giving me up for adoption. I was able to unburden her heart by reassuring her that I had been given a wonderful life and God used her unselfish act of love to place me exactly where He desired.

I was, also, relieved to learn that there were no extreme health issues that she was aware of on her side of the family. Whew!

Ann lived in Ohio. But, we kept in touch by sharing letters and pictures back and forth for several years. Finally, through circumstances too lengthy to share, we were able to meet face to face for the first time at her home in Ohio.

I was able to have some time alone with Ann and her husband, Wylie. I took the opportunity to thank her in person for her selfless gift of love through adoption. I went on to share with them about my second adoption…into the Family of God. “Ann and Wylie, I don’t know what the future holds. We are not guaranteed tomorrow. But, if we never see each other again here on earth, it’s my prayer that we will see each other again in heaven one day. Can I tell you about my Jesus?”

Ann and Wylie accepted Christ that day. It was a precious time that I will cherish always. They have both gone home to be with Jesus. I am so grateful that I will see them again one day in Glory.

I know beyond all doubt that The Lord connected my adoption to the birth of my sweet Ryan. And then, circled back around to meeting and sharing Jesus with Ann and Wylie. He’s the Master Dot Connector, that’s just what He does.

My God-story is not unique. Each of us has a Master Dot Connector testimony. Let’s take time to be in awe of His great work in our lives and in the lives of those we love. Nothing happens by chance…He orchestrates it ALL.

• Read Ephesians 1

What does it mean to be chosen in Him before the foundations of the earth (vs 4)?

 

Are you “adopted” by God? Take a minute to share your testimony of your salvation (adoption) experience.

 

 

Read back over it and praise Him for His redeeming, dot connecting work in your life that led to your salvation. If you are reading this and you do not have a God adoption story, please contact me below.

 

Think about the dots The Lord has connected in your life? Relationships, opportunities to share Jesus, compassion connections, ministry connections, adoption, birth stories, friendships, job opportunities, mission trips, and etc. Write down a few.

 

These connections are ministry. The Lord is living and active in our lives. He takes what we see as randomness and connects the dots. There are people in our lives that are meant to be a blessing to us and then there are people we are meant to bless. Each God-connection is ordained. Yes, even the EGR (Extra Grace Required) people God has strategically placed in your life.

Pray, today, that the “eyes of your heart” will be enlightened to His consistent and amazing work in your life. That you will know and walk into the hope of your calling, sweet sister.

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe…” Ephesians 1:18-19

I’m praying for you!