Why Does God Give Some People Children And Then Allow Those Children To Be Taken Away By Others?
Have you ever wondered why God gives some people the blessing of children, only for them to be taken away—perhaps through adoption, foster care, or even tragic circumstances? This difficult and painful question is one that many Messianic Jewish believers grapple with, and it can stir up feelings of confusion, sorrow, and even anger. How can a loving God, who blesses people with the gift of children, allow them to be taken away by others?
In this article, we will explore this complex issue through the lens of the Tanakh, offering biblical insights and comfort for those struggling with this question. By understanding God’s sovereign purposes, we can find peace and trust in His greater plan, even when things don’t make sense.
Children Are a Blessing and a Responsibility
First, we must acknowledge the immense blessing that children are, as the psalmist beautifully expresses:
“Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.” (Psalm 127:3)
Children are a precious gift from God, and the Bible consistently affirms that they are a reward, a heritage to be cherished and nurtured. From the very beginning, God’s plan for the family has been clear: children are a vital part of His covenantal promises.
However, the question remains: If children are such a gift, why do some parents experience the heartbreaking loss of their children, whether through circumstances beyond their control or by the intervention of others?
God’s Sovereign Will in the Lives of Children
While the loss of a child can feel inexplicable, we must remember that God’s ways are higher than ours, and His understanding surpasses ours. The Bible tells us:
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)
In times of pain, we may not understand why God allows such things to happen, but we can trust that He has a purpose—even when it’s unclear to us. God is not only concerned with our present circumstances but with our eternal good. His plans for His children are far-reaching and filled with love, even when the present moment is filled with heartache.
The Role of Adoption and Fostering in God’s Plan
In the Bible, we see examples of children being taken in by others, and often these situations align with God’s larger plan for His people. One striking example is the story of Moses. When Pharaoh's daughter found Moses as an infant in a basket on the Nile, she adopted him as her own, even though he was Hebrew.
“Now a man from the house of Levi went and took as his wife a daughter of Levi. The woman conceived and bore a son, and when she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him three months. And when she could hide him no longer, she took for him a basket made of bulrushes and daubed it with bitumen and pitch. She put the child in it and placed it among the reeds by the riverbank.” (Exodus 2:1-3)
Moses’ mother was not abandoning him, but rather trusting in God’s protection and His greater plan. God used Pharaoh’s daughter to raise Moses in the palace, setting the stage for his eventual role in leading the Israelites out of Egypt.
This story illustrates that sometimes God uses others to fulfill His purposes in a child’s life, even when the circumstances seem tragic or unfair. The child is still part of God’s plan, and their story is not finished. Just as Moses was chosen by God for a mighty purpose, so too are children placed in situations for reasons beyond our understanding, but for God’s glory.
The Reality of Suffering and Loss
The pain of losing a child—whether through adoption, separation, or other means—is very real, and Scripture does not shy away from acknowledging the sorrow that comes with such loss. In 2 Samuel, we read about King David’s grief after the death of his son:
“Then David arose from the earth and washed and anointed himself and changed his clothes. And he went into the house of the LORD and worshiped. He then went to his own house, and when he asked, they set food before him, and he ate.” (2 Samuel 12:20)
David’s story of loss reveals the depth of human suffering, but it also shows us that even in the darkest moments, God is worthy of worship. David’s son was gone, yet he still sought God, recognizing that the Lord was with him through the sorrow.
For Messianic Jewish believers, we must remember that the reality of suffering in this world is not a reflection of God’s lack of care. Rather, it is part of the fallen world in which we live. Yet even in our pain, God is present and working in ways we may not fully understand. Just as He was with David in his grief, He is with us in our own times of sorrow.
Trusting God’s Plan for Our Children
Even when it feels like children are taken away from us, we must trust that God is still in control and that He has a good plan for each child. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us of God’s heart for His people:
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
God’s plans are filled with hope, even when our immediate circumstances seem bleak. His love for our children is unshakable, and He will guide them in the direction they are meant to go, whether that involves us directly or not.
As parents, or as those who care for children, it is essential to trust in God's sovereignty and believe that He is always working for our good, even when we can’t see it. Just as God entrusted His people, Israel, with the responsibility of raising and nurturing the next generation, He continues to be faithful in His promises, even when we face difficult and painful separations.
Conclusion: Finding Peace in God’s Sovereignty
While it is heartbreaking to consider why God might allow children to be taken away, we must ultimately trust in His sovereignty, His greater plan, and His love for each child. Children are gifts, but they belong to God, and He will use them for His purposes in ways we might not always comprehend.
As Messianic Jewish believers, we can find peace in knowing that God’s thoughts are higher than our own, and His plans for our children are always good. Even when children are taken away by others, God remains present, faithful, and loving. Just as He had a purpose for Moses’ life, He has a purpose for the lives of every child—one that far exceeds our understanding but is filled with His divine love.
God works all things together for good. Trust in His greater plan for your children, even when you can’t see it.