Didn't see this coming

One year ago, I was preaching through a sermon series on "pictures of grace." I was preaching through the word pictures that Paul used to describe our salvation. On the third Sunday of July 2009, I came to the next word picture, adoption. I studied Paul's words to the Galatians and his words to the Romans. "For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption by sons as which we call out 'father, dear father.'"Romans 8:15. I knew that Lorrie had been praying about adoption, but I had rejected the idea for no good reason. But sitting at my desk, studying that Scripture, God grabbed my heart. I was an orphan, adopted by a heavenly father and given a second chance on eternal life. How could I withhold the same from someone else? That day I drove home, sat down with Lorrie and discussed adoption for the first time. Here we are a year later, leaving for Beijing a week from tomorrow. Guo Fufeng is six, abandoned by his parents before his first birthday. He has never known a birthday party, Christmas morning, family gatherings, and most importantly Jesus Christ. That is all about to change. On Sunday, July 18th I will hold him in my arms for the first time. This homeless orphan whose parent's threw him away will meet his forever family, and I can certainly understand that feeling. The world threw me away too, but my heavenly father opened his arms as well on Calvary to give me an eternal home. Me and this little guy have more in common than you might think.