I have heard several families who are currently waiting to adopt from Rwanda say it, but it's true. This week has been hard. The waiting has been hard. Lots of families have been waiting now for over a year. Our dossier has been in Rwanda for 9 1/2 months. We began the process in March of 2010. The waiting seems to be harder now that we are on summer break and I have more time to dwell on it.
People often post verses and messages from scripture that God has laid on their hearts. These are often verses about our calling to help the orphan and the widow and verses about waiting and patience. Patience is tough, you are always told not to pray for patience, 'cause God just might decide to teach you how to be patient.
In our Adult Couple's Bible study class Sunday morning, our amazing teacher read from Colossians chapter 1. He started with verse 9, where Paul tells the church in Collosi, "So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you." Wow. We have not stopped praying for our child since the day we began this process. There are so many of you out there who are joining us and other families in this prayer. Since we first heard of the needs of the orphans of the world, we have not stopped praying. Since we first decided to adopt from Rwanda, we have not stopped praying.
A little further down in verse 11, Paul writes this, "We also pray that you will be strengthened with all His glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need." Again, WOW! ALL HIS glorious power! That's ALOT of power! and We are given this strength to do what? "Have all the endurance and patience you need." I need a lot,let me tell you! Isn't it amazing that He already knows what we need? Endurance and Patience. That's what He gives us, with all of His glorious power.
No, have not yet received our approval, or our referral. Yes, I have become discouraged at times, especially this week as we wait for news. But God has promised to give me endurance and patience.
I will end with verse 12, "May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father."
Yes, the true meaning of patience has really been playing on me this week too. Be graceful in my wait. Even when I feel like screaming, kicking and crying, pleading and begging;)
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