Welcome March! Here we go for another month of waiting. You know what? We've been waiting awhile now, SEVEN full months now to be exact, and started the application process in Dec. 2012. Waiting for news about the adoption process, waiting for a referral to see our little ones faces, but you know what. Our "waiting" is done. No, now don't get too excited, we don't have a referral and have heard no news besides to wait some more....but during this wait, God has revealed to us so many wonders of His love, amazing people, stories, and truths that we have soaked into our souls, that I can't call this "waiting" anymore. It's more like this is LIVING!
Recently, I won't deny, that it has been a bit of a downer to hear that there is more time ahead of us in the adoption process, (you can read about that by clicking here) but over the month we have been praying and seeking what the Lord has for us NOW, the LIVING part of actively waiting. He doesn't want us to sit on the side lines and take ourselves out of the game of life while waiting on one particular outcome, but to continue to serve Him and seek Him for what opportunities are given to us every day.
The Bible book of James will tell us this: James 1:2-4 " Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing."
First of all, the Lord knows that we will have troubles and tough times in our lives. We live in a sinful world, not a perfect world, so bad things will happen. James tells us that trials are inevitable when he says "whenever you experience various trials" notice he doesn't say, "if trials come your way." I mean, come on, I'm sure you can count a few trials you may be in the midst of now!
Joy in a trial? Yes. In our Bible Study class we were discussing this very point. Taking from the text here, our study book says this, "Joy may not be your first attitude. When you run aground or fall into a pit, your first instinct is to feel hurt, startled, mad, and reactionary. Joy may not be your initial reaction, but it is a choice you make through the power of God. Through God, joy becomes your ultimate attitude."
"Consider it a great joy..." "Consider" comes from a root that means to lead, to bring, or to carry. I think of our waiting for the adoption and I think of the learning process we have experienced in the midst. It is hard. It is frustrating. And sometimes I want to scream so loud it is heard across the ocean! BUT, if I think on this verse and "consider it a great joy" then it is a process to BRING IT to joy. Bring my anger, bring my frustrations, questions, doubt, ignorance......BRING IT to JOY. And only the power of the Lord can carry us through. Joy is a careful and deliberate decision. Do you have a friendship with Lord to help you through? He longs to help you and loves you very much.
I pray this will bring you encouragement for today and as we start out yet another month together in our various phases of "waiting." We all have a goal in mind of some sort. Maybe you are waiting for job opportunity to open up, a much desired positive news from the doctors, or a court verdict to clear your case. Maybe you are just hoping this day passes by without the reminder of heartbreaks haunting you and dragging you to despair. Whatever the "waiting" stage is for all of us, I deeply pray that we will see this day as a day for LIVING in JOY that our hearts will grow closer to the Lord in this process.
2 Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
God wants us in His family too! I think of how He waits for those He loves to come to Him. He understands us (as waiting parents) more than we can imagine! For He is our Father in Heaven waiting for the day we turn to Him to embrace the grace He offers us.
I thank you for following us along with our adoption journey and we so appreciate your prayers. We trust and know confidently that the Lord God is working and has great plans for us and the children He has chosen for us. We continue to LIVE it up as we journey along life and soak in His promises revealed to us, and building our endurance each and every day. Some days are more difficult than others, but daily let us ask for God's strength to BRING IT to a state a Joy in our hearts.
"No mere man has ever seen, heard or even imagined what wonderful things God has READY for those who love the Lord." 1 Corinthians 2:9
Recently, I won't deny, that it has been a bit of a downer to hear that there is more time ahead of us in the adoption process, (you can read about that by clicking here) but over the month we have been praying and seeking what the Lord has for us NOW, the LIVING part of actively waiting. He doesn't want us to sit on the side lines and take ourselves out of the game of life while waiting on one particular outcome, but to continue to serve Him and seek Him for what opportunities are given to us every day.
The Bible book of James will tell us this: James 1:2-4 " Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing."
First of all, the Lord knows that we will have troubles and tough times in our lives. We live in a sinful world, not a perfect world, so bad things will happen. James tells us that trials are inevitable when he says "whenever you experience various trials" notice he doesn't say, "if trials come your way." I mean, come on, I'm sure you can count a few trials you may be in the midst of now!
Joy in a trial? Yes. In our Bible Study class we were discussing this very point. Taking from the text here, our study book says this, "Joy may not be your first attitude. When you run aground or fall into a pit, your first instinct is to feel hurt, startled, mad, and reactionary. Joy may not be your initial reaction, but it is a choice you make through the power of God. Through God, joy becomes your ultimate attitude."
"Consider it a great joy..." "Consider" comes from a root that means to lead, to bring, or to carry. I think of our waiting for the adoption and I think of the learning process we have experienced in the midst. It is hard. It is frustrating. And sometimes I want to scream so loud it is heard across the ocean! BUT, if I think on this verse and "consider it a great joy" then it is a process to BRING IT to joy. Bring my anger, bring my frustrations, questions, doubt, ignorance......BRING IT to JOY. And only the power of the Lord can carry us through. Joy is a careful and deliberate decision. Do you have a friendship with Lord to help you through? He longs to help you and loves you very much.
I pray this will bring you encouragement for today and as we start out yet another month together in our various phases of "waiting." We all have a goal in mind of some sort. Maybe you are waiting for job opportunity to open up, a much desired positive news from the doctors, or a court verdict to clear your case. Maybe you are just hoping this day passes by without the reminder of heartbreaks haunting you and dragging you to despair. Whatever the "waiting" stage is for all of us, I deeply pray that we will see this day as a day for LIVING in JOY that our hearts will grow closer to the Lord in this process.
2 Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
God wants us in His family too! I think of how He waits for those He loves to come to Him. He understands us (as waiting parents) more than we can imagine! For He is our Father in Heaven waiting for the day we turn to Him to embrace the grace He offers us.
I thank you for following us along with our adoption journey and we so appreciate your prayers. We trust and know confidently that the Lord God is working and has great plans for us and the children He has chosen for us. We continue to LIVE it up as we journey along life and soak in His promises revealed to us, and building our endurance each and every day. Some days are more difficult than others, but daily let us ask for God's strength to BRING IT to a state a Joy in our hearts.
"No mere man has ever seen, heard or even imagined what wonderful things God has READY for those who love the Lord." 1 Corinthians 2:9
Erin - What a great perspective! Very beautifully written. Continuing to pray for your family and God's timing.
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