We've been a bit frustrated as of late. Can't quite put a finger on it, but it's there. As I was working in the yard, I tried to focus on it. Normally, I try NOT to focus on it, but clearly, that's not a great approach ;). This whole adoption in some ways is very similar to going through a pregnancy. However, that daily physical reminder is not there. And in it's place is this "time-line" that follows a path you can't predict. So I realized I have been separating a bit from thought on the adoption. Really as a self-emotional-preservation kind of thing. Disappointment - no matter how temporary - is very difficult when it comes to our children. Waiting is never easy - no matter how old or mature we get. I think because of that, my prayers surrounding the adoption have not been where they should be... and somehow that morphed into prayers for my family not being as they should be. And man oh man does the devil love that! I have been slowly and subtly filling my mind right back up with worry over abilities, finances, travel, etc. And the devil knows this - he's throwing things right in my way that I easily fall right over... change in Ethiopian travel plans, added costs, witness of other struggling adoptive parents, outrageous expensive car repair, grants not coming through, fridge making funny noises....on and on. And because I'm not right at HIS feet - eyes upward - I'm just easy prey. And that just makes me MAD! This is not the hand I've been dealt! The devil is not my keeper nor the owner of my path. He would like me to believe that the path to obedience is too hard, but I am calling his bluff!
If God is with us, no one can defeat us. He did not spare his own Son but gave him for us all. So with Jesus, God will surely give us all things. Who can accuse the people God has chosen? No one, because God is the One who makes them right. Romans 8:31-33
We also have joy with our troubles, because we know that these troubles produce patience. And patience produces character, and character produces hope. And this hope will never disappoint us, because God has poured out his love to fill our hearts. Romans 5:3-5
So know that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God. He will keep his agreement of love for a thousand lifetimes for people who love him and obey his commands. Deuteronomy 7:9
People make plans in their minds, but only the Lord can make them come true. Depend on the Lord in whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:1,3
Do not change yourselves to be like the people of this world, but be changed within by a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to decide what God wants for you; you will know what is good and pleasing to him and what is perfect. Romans 12:2
When the LORD All-Powerful makes a plan, no one can stop it. Isaiah 14:27a
Give, and you will receive. You will be given much. Pressed down, shaken together, and running over, it will spill into you lap. The way you give to others is the way God will give to you. Luke 6:38
Jesus has the power of God, by which he has given us everything we need to live and serve God. We have these things because we know him. Jesus called us by his glory and goodness. Through these he gave us the very great and precious promises. With these gifts you can share in being like God and the world will not ruin you with its evil desires. 2 Peter 1:3-4
My God will use his wonderful riches in Christ Jesus to give you everything you need. Philippians 4:19
The important thing is obeying God's commands. You all were bought at a great price, so do not become slaves of people. I Corinthians 7:19, 23
So there, take that! I'm not having it anymore. :)
Remember when people use to sing out the hymn books?
ReplyDeleteYour post makes me think of a hymn circa 1992, that we used to joke around and try sing in old lady voices when I was a kid...
We would sing,
"God will make a way,
When there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me
He will be my guide
Hold me closely by his side
With love and strength
For each new day
He will make a way.
So now that is all that pops in my head when I feel I need to call the devils bluff
Sorry to hear you are struggling. It is normal. But it doesn't mean it is easy.
ReplyDeletePraying for great results from the yard sale.
cris
Dawn, You do not know me but I went to college with Barry and have served at his home church in Columbia. My wife and I adopted a little boy out of the Ukraine almost six years ago. While it was a long and tedious process that was full of pitfalls and obstacles it was also as you are discovering one that will strength not only your faith but the faith of those around you when they see you praising God inspite of the struggles that Satan is attempting to discourage you with. Again while you do not know me if either you or Barry need to talk with someone who has walked the same path as you are now on please feel free to give either myself or my wife Kim a call 270-737-9895. Again thanks for the great example that you are sharing through this blog. Yours in Christ James Mardis
ReplyDeleteJames - thank you. We have been blessed beyond measure to be surrounded by friends and church members who have walked this path. Thank you so much for touching base with us...
ReplyDelete