Waiting and Looking Back

I was reminded this morning by my Timehop App that it was just two years ago this evening that changed our lives forever. A sweet, young woman had chosen our family for her baby.  And, while her incredible, selfless act is not lost on me for one moment, today, I was blown away once again by the beautiful and absolute "perfect-ness" of God's timing.

Let's be honest.  I really needed a reminder.

I needed a "in-my-face" and "God's-got-this" kind of reminder. 

Because...

There are still no calls or possible adoption scenarios on the radar of our current adoption journey.  We have stepped out in faith with eager anticipation only to find ourselves standing on the threshold of change with no imminent sign that change is actually going to happen.

It really, really stinks.  I yearn for action and for forward momentum...I want to be doing something.

Last week, Emma & I taught our 1st & 2nd grade Sunday School class about God's promise to give Abraham & Sarah as many children, grandchild, grandchildren, etc. as their were stars in the sky.  (Genesis 12-17)  As I read the story from our children's Bible, Abraham & Sarah's dialogue with God echoed my own:

"Abraham asked God, 'What are you waiting for?'"
Seriously.  What are you waiting for?

"Could God really make such a thing happen?"
I know I'm not supposed to doubt.  Clearly, you are the God of Miracles.  But....um, God?

"'Your wife, Sarah, will have a son,' the visitors said to Abraham.  Sarah started to laugh...'Why is Sarah laughing?' they asked. 'Doesn't she believe God's promise will happen?'"
What if I didn't hear the promise correctly?  

I continued to churn on God's promise this week.  The reminder that Abraham and Sarah traveled into the desert to God's promise land.  It was a long journey of continually choosing to believe.  They woke each morning to pack up the camels and set out for another's day journey...and they didn't even have a DVD player to entertain the kids or cell phone to call others to make the miles pass.  Talk about hardships!

The Bible tells us that there were times that both Sarah and Abraham doubted God's promise.

 Fortunately, the children's Bible doesn't cover Ishmael & Hagar, but I know that part of the story.  I know what happened when Sarah decided to interpret and do things her way verses patiently await to do things God's way.

And, so I wait seeking prayerfully to this God's way.  I'd love to say I wait patiently and faithfully.  But, my human desires often lead me daily to points of frustration and hopelessness as there are no potential situations awaiting me in my in-box and my phone doesn't ring from our consultant or caseworkers.

But, then there are shining moments that remind me that when the time is God's timing then it will be a most wonderful and glorious thing.  It will be a beautiful testimonial to God's provision and His constant, unfailing love for me.

Today, I am reminded to have faith when I remember Elijah's adoption story.  I am reminded to have patience as I hold him on my lap and read from our children's Bible.  I am reminded as I look into the eyes of all five of our children for whom we waiting each in their own way.

And, I have renewed patience

...and the determination to finish filling out one more set of grant papers.