"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed
perplexed,but not in despair
persecuted, but not abandoned
struck down, but not destroyed."
2 Corinthians 4:8-9
This winter pretty much EVERYTHING (with the exception of our relationships with family and friends) was extremely difficult. Work felt like labor in vain. Adoption proceedings felt so helpless - the waiting with NO control was suffocating. The difficulties in life were surrounding us like hungry wolves, circling for the kill. We were hard pressed.
We could not understand what more God wanted of us, what more we had to learn. What we were missing. We were totally perplexed.
Customers were unfair. Half-truths were told. Promises were broken. We felt persecuted.
No matter how hard we tried, no matter how much we prayed, no matter how much we hoped, no matter how much we trusted circumstances did not change (at least as quickly as I wished). We felt struck down.
BUT we were not crushed. We did not despair - we did get frustrated and perplexed - but we never lost doubt that He was in control. We were certainly never abandoned. Destroyed, not a chance!
It was a winter I would never want to relive, yet there was much beauty in it. I felt God's presence, His touch, His love, His comfort, His faithfulness more than ever before. I heard His voice so clearly in the midst of that storm.
I did not enjoy that storm. It hurt. I was barely crawling through some days. Yet I was by the grace of God, able to hold on to the fact that there are many seasons in life. Some are hard, some are easy. I knew that life would not be that hard forever.
I rejoice today to report that we have been given a bit of a reprieve. The work situation that caused the most trauma is nearly resolved. (Please pray that it is completely resolved this week. I would love to have that totally in the past before Joshua Gebeyehu joins our home.) And, as you know, our adoption is final. There is almost no wait left. God is faithfully completing the work He started in my heart last fall.
What will the next season be? I am hoping that life will stay sunny - but there is always a chance of rain - and sometimes it floods. The real work of parenting Joshua Gebeyehu begins in just a few days... I have no idea how easy or difficult that will be. I have no idea how all our children will adapt. I have no idea how Chad and I will adapt. I do know that we will NOT be crushed nor abandoned. He will keep us safe in his arms.
I do not know what season you are in. It may be a season of peace and tranquility. It may be a season of trials and adjustments. It may be a season of violent storms. It may be a season where seeds that have been planted are carefully tended and begin to grow. I do know that no matter what season you are in the midst of, He is right there beside you. Lean on Him, Reach out, ask for His guidance, listen for His voice, thank Him for your blessings, trust Him to get you through. If you do, it's gonna be alright.
Thank you Jesus for being ALL that we need. Thank you for being right next to me when the waters rise. You were so faithful. I felt close to drowning a time or two, but You always helped to keep my head above the rising waters. I will trust in You.
