You are the answer to our prayers!
Tony and I are realizing more and more everyday that the way God has chosen to work in this world is through His Spirit moving in His people. In other words, US! We are so grateful to be a part of His great plan for His creation and we are even more touched by the way He has chosen to use people in our lives to fulfill His purposes.
When we realized adoption was part of God's design for our life we naturally thought that we would pursue an unconventional family when our biological children were older and we were even more financially secure. Making a decision to adopt felt good, and the idea that we would do it "some day" settled in our hearts...for about 1 day!
Tony and I are realizing more and more everyday that the way God has chosen to work in this world is through His Spirit moving in His people. In other words, US! We are so grateful to be a part of His great plan for His creation and we are even more touched by the way He has chosen to use people in our lives to fulfill His purposes.
When we realized adoption was part of God's design for our life we naturally thought that we would pursue an unconventional family when our biological children were older and we were even more financially secure. Making a decision to adopt felt good, and the idea that we would do it "some day" settled in our hearts...for about 1 day!
God made it pretty clear to us through numerous interactions that "some day" needed to look more like "today" and when He says "go" He means "now"! Don't get me wrong, there was a period of waiting and longing and wondering and struggling, but when the word came, it came fast and heavy. We were shocked by the timing and left wondering how this was supposed to happen. We were even more shocked when an interest in fostering or providing a loving temporary family environment for kids through Bethany's Safe Families program to "ease ourselves in" to adoption turned into a fast and furious pursuit of an international adoption from one of the most expensive countries possible!
Timing had held me back, finances held Tony back and the day we finally looked at each other and said "We're ready" we also laughed at the shear absurdity of what we were about to embark on. Our youngest son was not even 1 and there was no where near $40,000 in our bank account. However, and most importantly, God told us He would provide for what He had promised and when we stepped out in faith He would be there.
Time and time again during this process we have seen that very promise come true. But none so outright as this last weekend. God knows that we are in a very intense period of waiting. One that can lead to anxiety and stress as the only issues to focus on are the most distressing: time, money, and distance. Knowing our dossier is under scrutiny and the time to pay out gads of money is quickly approaching can lead to some understandable freak out moments.
Jesus has so gracefully spoken love into our hearts and turned our eyes to Him. As we were discussing our finances on Friday night Tony mentioned that he would really prefer not to pay an interest payment on the credit card that we had paid a large balance to Bethany with. Saturday morning he spent some time rearranging our budget and working some numbers so that we could pay down as much as possible, but it still was not quite enough.
As Tony was finishing up and I was clearing off our breakfast table I noticed a little envelope under some other papers. I recognized the handwriting and assumed it was an encouraging note from a dear friend that I had overlooked. I opened it casually and along with a wonderful note, out fell a check. I peeked at it and sighed, tears springing to my eyes and showed it to Tony.
We sat at our dining room table together with tears in our eyes; moved but not surprised at our friends' generosity and their willingness to listen to the heart of God. The around was admittedly "super random" and was $11 over the amount needed to pay off our credit card without incurring an interest payment.
God did not have to do this for us. We, thankfully, have the ability to pay interest payments, and pay off debts in the future. However, the reminder that what God asked us to do He will accomplish was so overwhelming we could feel it. In a time of hard waiting He so clearly spoke to us. He is taking care of our every need.
When God's people listen, His work is mightily accomplished. We have seen the Kingdom explode in our lives in ways we never expected. We invite you to take the steps God is asking of you, figure out your design, say "yes" to Him when He speaks, go where He asks. You will not be disappointed, and you will be the answer to someone's prayer.
To follow our story or join our team of support visit our YouCaring site.
Originally Posted: 9/10/14 on our YouCaring site.
No comments:
Post a Comment