We did not pass court again this week. It was expected but still difficult. When we returned from Ethiopia we were met with depressing news, rumors and speculations related to cut backs in the Ethiopian adoption system, happening right at the point where we are, with the piece of paper we are missing. We are dealing with the reality that it could take much longer than expected to get our daughter home.
So in this week as Greg sought knowledge by scurrying the internet and I sought comfort by looking at the world beyond (Japan) to clarify my perspective that our daughter remaining longer in an orphanage is not that bad. I needed to stop and ask myself "where does our hope lie?"
Where does our hope lie? Is it in the court system, or our adoption agency? In gaining more knowledge or in forming a clear perspective? No, our hope lies in God. If everything with this adoption, with our lives, with the world WAS worse case scenario could I still have hope? And what is it that I would hope in? We believe that God is sovereign over EVERYTHING. We believe that the reason we exist is to bring God glory, and that is what we want more than anything. So our hope lies in that God, by his sovereign grace, will used even the worse imaginable scenario for good, for his glory and for a better outcome in the long run than we could ever imagine or may ever see. Our hope is also in this, that no matter what we go through in this world, this world is only temporary, and we will dwell with Christ in paradise for all eternity.
"So the lesson of Joseph-and the whole Bible-stands: When delays and detours and frustrations and opposition ruin our plans and bode ill for us, faith in future grace lays hold on the sovereign purpose of God to bring something magnificent to pass. That is the key to patience." Battling Unbelief by John Piper
So in this week as Greg sought knowledge by scurrying the internet and I sought comfort by looking at the world beyond (Japan) to clarify my perspective that our daughter remaining longer in an orphanage is not that bad. I needed to stop and ask myself "where does our hope lie?"
Where does our hope lie? Is it in the court system, or our adoption agency? In gaining more knowledge or in forming a clear perspective? No, our hope lies in God. If everything with this adoption, with our lives, with the world WAS worse case scenario could I still have hope? And what is it that I would hope in? We believe that God is sovereign over EVERYTHING. We believe that the reason we exist is to bring God glory, and that is what we want more than anything. So our hope lies in that God, by his sovereign grace, will used even the worse imaginable scenario for good, for his glory and for a better outcome in the long run than we could ever imagine or may ever see. Our hope is also in this, that no matter what we go through in this world, this world is only temporary, and we will dwell with Christ in paradise for all eternity.
"So the lesson of Joseph-and the whole Bible-stands: When delays and detours and frustrations and opposition ruin our plans and bode ill for us, faith in future grace lays hold on the sovereign purpose of God to bring something magnificent to pass. That is the key to patience." Battling Unbelief by John Piper
2 comments:
Ah steph... I'm sorry to hear that you guys did not pass court again. I'm praying that as the new ministry is assembled and things get moving again that it won't be too much longer. Praying for you guys as you wait; it sounds like you have been gifted with amazing perspective.
I am so sorry for the challenges you are facing with bringing your daughter home, but I am thankful for the Truths that God is writing on your hearts as you walk this part of your journey. I pray that He will draw closer than ever to each of you, including your daughter who is waiting.
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