Expecting Trials

Each morning I have a basic routine. Once the kids are off to school (thank God), I settle into my office for the day, make a cup of coffee, and spend a half an hour or so in devotion and prayer. Today I felt led to write the devotion, rather than read it.

A few weeks ago a preached a two week series on the attacks of the enemy.  As believers we should not be surprised by these attacks. We should expect them and to some extent welcome them. Contrary to many in the church world today, I believe attacks are a sign that we are doing what is right. If you are not where you need to be in God, the enemy does not need to bother with you.

When a Christian couple seeks to adopt a child, attacks will come. You see not only are you fulfilling God’s will for your life, but also for the life of the child you will adopt. So in a sense when trials come you are really fighting the fight for your child.

As my wife and I have moved through these 28 months of paperwork and waiting, we have continually been under financial attack. Why finances? In short, if you don’t have the money to adopt…you can’t.  So here is a partial list:

Emergency Appendectomy $3,000

Tires $500

Dental Work on me $300

Emergency room visit and follow up for our son $1,200

Dental work on my wife $1,200

Air conditioner on vehicle that was 200 miles out of warranty $600

Scans to check my liver function $500

These are a few of the major things. There are a host of smaller expenses like car batteries, doctor visits, etc., etc., etc. We also had a freak hailstorm that caused $12,000 of damage to our home. (Thank God for State Farm.)

 Do you see a pattern of weirdness here? Now I am never one to blame all of our trouble on the devil. Some things are just life. That said, when you experience a constant barrage of trials, it’s probably not a coincidence.  This list equals $7,300.

Think about it. The devil knows who I am. He knows where I live. He knows I need money to adopt. He also knows that if I am willing to adopt, God has control of my wallet. If I were not spending money on the adoption, I’m likely to give it to God anyway.

Here is the point. I’m not writing to you as an appeal for money. God has faithfully provided for our adoption. I am writing to help prepare you for what is to come. Expect it. I now laugh about it. How am I going to pay all these bills (some are already paid)? I don’t know, but I do know a God that can help me pay them. He will provide as I have need. He always does.

“So Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior, I affirm again today that you have complete control of every aspect of my life: my marriage, my family, my finances, and my future; therefore, there is no need to worry or fret. I will instead rest in the knowledge and peace of my God. I will seek You and find You as Your WORD says. I will serve only you with my full heart. If one day I have nothing at all, I will remember that I am still rich because I have a relationship with You. Help me to be a positive influence on those seeking to adopt. May I always be willing to share our story.  Now Lord, bless those reading this that are in the midst of a storm. Be the lighthouse on their stormy sea. Keep them safe and as with Jabeez, may they prosper in all that they do.  Thank you for the opportunity to adopt Joy Noelle. May your peace reign in our home and lives, Amen.”