Today’s post is written by Bethany.
My husband and I have always wanted to adopt. After struggling with the colic of our second born, we decided we didn’t want to adopt an infant. Looking back, it’s funny how God changes our plans.
My husband was unemployed so we decided to wait until he got a job to pursue it further. But after attending the Women of Faith conference, I felt God asking us to step out in faith and start the adoption process. We started looking around, met with an advisor, and choose an agency. The agency said it was fine that Tim was unemployed but when it came down to us taking classes- it wasn’t ok and there was a roadblock. I was so confused. We had obeyed, we had stepped out and then a closed door.
So we waited. We prayed.
During this time I joined a bible study at our church and through that- Tim was blessed with a job he loves. We felt the Lord calling us to do the foster-to-adopt program, so we applied… lots of waiting. Finally we were accepted into the parenting classes required to get licensed! We finished them and began meeting with the social worker so we would be licensed. Another roadblock came up, the door was shut. This was not God’s plan for us. We were confused but KNEW God wanted us to adopt. My husband at this point gave it to God, let go, and trusted Him to lead us. I however kept searching, kept digging, kept trying to find God’s will. I was so frustrated that I couldn’t discern what our next step should be. After reading a blog post entitled “His will isn’t the point”- I quit looking for answers and decided to look for my God. I surrendered my control and my efforts and joined my husband with waiting peacefully for God’s plan. A few months later a new adoption avenue dropped into our laps. We prayed about it and moved forward. And you know what? We have been matched with a birth mother and are “due” in August. Yes, it will be an infant!
It’s not our plans, wants or timing that matters. It’s God’s plan. I still struggle with this- usually daily; laying it back down and giving control back over to Him. I was reminded recently that God remembers, in His timing, for our good, and for His glory. God is faithful, this I have learned as I have been waiting. My favorite verse is Micah 7:7-
“But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord. I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.” I am so thankful that He hears me, while I wait and hope!!
One of the most influential things I have ever read, talked about how when we perceive God as saying no to something- it could be three things; His protection, provision or the process that gets us from that shut door to where He leads us. For me the process has been life changing. I have dug deeper and have a hunger for God that I didn’t have before. When I am looking for answers I pray and read my Bible before picking up the phone to call a friend. I am so thankful for this period of my life- that through waiting- I have found what I’ve waited my whole life for- this relationship and reliance on Him.
Bethany is a people person and loves being around friends. She has been married to her high school sweetheart for ten years and has two girls ages 2.5 and 4 who keep her busy most of the time. She works part-time as a nurse in the Emergency Room and loves to be on call for friends with medical questions. In the past few years she has drawn closer to the Lord- and is so thankful for His grace and second chances! She loves being in Bible study, reading Christian literature, and learning more about how to live a Godly life. She is so thankful that the Lord is still changing, teaching and loving her through it all!
Bethany blogs at Rouse Adventures.
Read the other posts from this series:
1. seasons of waiting {introduction}
2. seasons of waiting {when the pain can’t be skipped}
3. seasons of waiting {when you feel empty}
4. seasons of waiting {when you feel alone}
6. seasons of waiting {1000 things}
7. seasons of waiting {how long}
Kim Sorgius
Kim is just a girl, crazy in love with Jesus. She's a single mother of 4, a passionate homeschooler and life-long student. After teaching 8 years in public school, she traded her M.A. in Early Childhood for sippy cups and homeschool co-ops. Kim is the owner and editor of The Homeschool Village and Not Consumed where she encourages others to rest victoriously in the hands of God, rather than allowing life's difficult circumstances to consume.
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Love the way you guys have beautifully followed God and trusted His outcomes even when you didn’t understand. It was a winding road of starts and stops but it ended right where He meant for your family to be. Love the privilege of being used by Him to be part of your story. Thanks for your open, loving, and generous hearts