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Bible Question: I have a friend who (at the moment) is unable to have children.
She is afraid to adopt a child since she is afraid that she will
be forcing God's hand because she has had numerous prophecies
regarding the fact that she will have a child. She is afraid that
by adopting a baby she will be having an "Ishmael baby." She wants
to do God's perfect will in her life. What biblical advice should
I give regarding her situation? I find it difficult because I
have three beautiful sons.
Bible Answer: Abram and Sari were impatient because of their unbelief (Genesis
16:1). Not until Genesis 17 does it become clear to us that God
was referring to a son, Isaac, by both Abram and Sari when He
said that Abram's heir would come forth from his own body (Gen.
15:4). But that is what God was saying. Sari responded with unbelief.
So I assume your friend is afraid that she will be responding
in unbelief.
Forcing God's Hand. There are two important issues here. First, we can never force
God's hand. If we could, this would mean that God is nothing more
than a puppet. Scripture teaches that we cannot control God.
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So then He has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He
desires . . . The thing molded will not say to the molder, "Why
did you make me like this," will it? (NASB) Romans 9:18-20 |
This is a hard verse for many Christians to accept, but the truth
is that God is in control. The following verses say the same thing,
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The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.
(NASB) Prov. 16:9
Many are the plans in a man's heart, But the counsel of the LORD,
it will stand. (NASB) Prov. 19:21
Man's steps are ordained by the LORD, How then can man understand
his way? (NASB) Prov. 20:24
The king's heart is like channels of water in the hand of the
LORD; He turns it wherever He wishes. (NASB) Prov. 21:1
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