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.”
