So, the waiting begins. We placed our adoption application to America World's Ethiopia program late last Wednesday evening. I got an automated response and then have heard nothing.
It has kind of been bumming me out a little bit - off and on. I have had fears that we won't even be accepted into the program, but I know God is good. He has brought us to this point in our lives of choosing adoption to grow our family. As we await word from America World, I am comforted by Scripture, prayer and song.
My friend shared Isaiah 26:3 with me:
"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You."
God is keeping me at peace as I wait. I do trust Him. If you read further, verse 8 is my heart as well, because ultimately, my desire is to see God glorified in my life:
"Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts."
As I read in my quiet time, every day there is a verse that the Lord speaks directly to my heart. It's amazing that no matter where you are reading, there is relevance to your life and the Lord will minister to you and speak to you through His Word.
"All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17
I am also thankful for all the prayer that covers us as we walk this adoption journey. I really can't express how I am touched by the prayers of the saints. Thank You, Lord, for surrounding us with people who love and serve You, and who are praying for us.
And then there's music. Music always ministers to me - as well it should I guess, being a musician and all. As we were driving home from church last week, the Lord got my attention using the song that was playing on the CD player. Khris and I were in a focused discussion about God's sovereignty through our adoption journey. I have had doubts that this thing would ever happen and he reminded me that our adoption will come to pass in the Lord's timing, not mine. As we were talking, the words being sung were, "I know You're with me... I know Your love will light the way." The Lord - MY Lord - spoke to my heart then and there. I need to walk in this faith that I claim daily in my words. After we put the kids to bed, I entered the rest of our information and submitted our online adoption application.
The next day, I was driving the kids to music lessons, and couldn't wait to back up that track in the van to listen to the entire message of the song. The Lord was right there, in the van, bringing me comfort and peace. My heart was bursting with His love for me. I am seeing Him more clearly than I think I have in a long time. Thank You, Lord Jesus, my God. Oh, how I love You, too!
"All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17
I am also thankful for all the prayer that covers us as we walk this adoption journey. I really can't express how I am touched by the prayers of the saints. Thank You, Lord, for surrounding us with people who love and serve You, and who are praying for us.
And then there's music. Music always ministers to me - as well it should I guess, being a musician and all. As we were driving home from church last week, the Lord got my attention using the song that was playing on the CD player. Khris and I were in a focused discussion about God's sovereignty through our adoption journey. I have had doubts that this thing would ever happen and he reminded me that our adoption will come to pass in the Lord's timing, not mine. As we were talking, the words being sung were, "I know You're with me... I know Your love will light the way." The Lord - MY Lord - spoke to my heart then and there. I need to walk in this faith that I claim daily in my words. After we put the kids to bed, I entered the rest of our information and submitted our online adoption application.
The next day, I was driving the kids to music lessons, and couldn't wait to back up that track in the van to listen to the entire message of the song. The Lord was right there, in the van, bringing me comfort and peace. My heart was bursting with His love for me. I am seeing Him more clearly than I think I have in a long time. Thank You, Lord Jesus, my God. Oh, how I love You, too!
AFTERMATH by Hillsong United
The skies lay low where You are
On the earth You rest Your feet
Yet the hands that cradle the stars
Are the hands that bled for me
In a moment of glorious surrender
You were broken for all the world to see
Lifted out of the ashes
I am found in the aftermath
Freedom found in Your scars
In Your grace my life redeemed
For You chose to take the sinner's crown
As You placed Your crown on me
On the earth You rest Your feet
Yet the hands that cradle the stars
Are the hands that bled for me
In a moment of glorious surrender
You were broken for all the world to see
Lifted out of the ashes
I am found in the aftermath
Freedom found in Your scars
In Your grace my life redeemed
For You chose to take the sinner's crown
As You placed Your crown on me
In that moment of glorious surrender
Was the moment You broke the chains in me
Lifted out of the ashes
I am found in the aftermath
And in that moment You opened up the heavens
To the broken the beggar and the thief
Lifted out of the wreckage
I find hope in the aftermath
And I know that You're with me
Yes I know that You're with me here
And I know Your love will light the way
Was the moment You broke the chains in me
Lifted out of the ashes
I am found in the aftermath
And in that moment You opened up the heavens
To the broken the beggar and the thief
Lifted out of the wreckage
I find hope in the aftermath
And I know that You're with me
Yes I know that You're with me here
And I know Your love will light the way
Now all I have I count it all as loss
But to know You and to carry the cross
Knowing I'm found
In the light of the aftermath
But to know You and to carry the cross
Knowing I'm found
In the light of the aftermath
