Apples of Gold

First, I want to update you that we were logged into the system in China on 1/27/15.
That is amazing! Our paperwork got there on Monday and was logged in the next day!  I could not ask for more. Here's a great website that explains all the acronyms and stages of our adoption.

Acronyms

So now we wait.  This will probably be the longest silence in this process but we just pray that someone translates quickly and we hear something soon.

My two biggest prayers during this process have been about the timing and the money.  That was on my heart last night as I sat down with some friends to discuss a book we have been reading together (Anything by Jennie Allen).  I was silently praying as we talked that God would speak somehow to those two concerns on my heart. I woke up this morning and checked Facebook to find 2 posts on my wall.  One was from a friend from church.

He posted this devotion:
I have a confession. I often wonder what God is up to, like when my husband and I finally decided to adopt a baby girl from China and then the wait extended from one year to three and beyond. (We’re still waiting.) Seriously, God, you placed adoption on our hearts only to have us wait?

Jesus’ friend John wondered what God was up to, too. “When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?’” (Matthew 11:2–3).

Jesus’ answer to John wasn’t something He pulled out of thin air. When Jesus spoke of the deaf hearing and lame walking John no doubt remembered the words of the prophet Isaiah: “Your God will come . . . then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy” (Isaiah 35:4–5).

For someone who understood Scripture as John did, Jesus’ message was powerful.

There are times in my life when I’ve questioned, “Jesus, are You the one?” Are You the one who called us to adoption? Are You the one who can take away my disappointment over the wait and wipe away my tears?

In my moments of doubting, Jesus gave me an answer similar to John’s: “Haven’t you seen what I’ve done?” Memories stirred in my mind of the times in the past He showed up. His Word reminded me to expect Him in this situation, too. As I relinquished my plan and timetable to God, another miracle happened—a birth mom approached us about adopting her baby. So even though we’re still waiting for one child, in the end we will be blessed with two!

Jesus came performing miracles not for His sake, but for mine. I can relinquish my will, knowing He has the perfect plan. When I look to Him I don’t need to worry about getting my hopes up. Believing in Him, I will never be disappointed.

The other was from my cousin who has adopted before from China.

Amaziah asked the man of God, “But what about the hundred talents I paid for these Israelite troops?” The man of God replied, “The Lord can give you much more than that.” (2 Chronicles 25:9 NIV)

This reminded me of your adoption costs this morning and how God can provide you so much more! Congrats on LID!

The first to me was about timing and the second about money.  God was just confirming again to me that He hears the cry of my heart and He is working constantly to bring Liam home. Some days I pour out my heart missing him so much and I hear the Lord say, "Don't you know I love him even more than you do? I will take care of it."

I was reminded of this verse: 
Like apples of gold in settings of silver Is a word spoken in right circumstances. Proverbs 25:11

Today was filled with beautiful apples.

Photo from: http://coffeechaosandcontentment.blogspot.com/2011/09/apples-of-gold.html