James 1:12
God will bless you, if you don’t give up
when your faith is being tested. He will reward you with a glorious
life, just as he rewards everyone who loves him.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A
childhood friend of mine named Suzanne decided to become a foster
parent a few years ago. I am not certain how many children Suzanne has
fostered, but at one point, she was entrusted with the care of a
9½-month-old girl. She fostered this child, as well as the baby’s
3-year-old brother, who subsequently joined them from another foster
placement. Ultimately, family members petitioned for custody, and won.
These children had been in foster care practically all of their lives,
but Suzanne was mandated to drive them to the “meeting point” and leave
them with virtual strangers...and return home alone. She kept friends
updated throughout this ordeal via e-mail and social media.
I
can tell you, Suzanne has grieved mightily over “her” children. Given
the green light, she would have adopted them in a heartbeat. She wrote,
“The past year has been one of intense grief and pain. I felt betrayed
and used, and as if the thousands of prayers I've prayed throughout my
life for what it would be - who I would be - fell into nothing; it's as
if trying to make this dream of parenthood come true cost me my faith.”
Many
people have prayed for Suzanne and encouraged her not to give
up...we’ve reminded her that God has a plan for her – we just didn’t
know what it was. This week, she sent out a group e-mail asking for
prayers as she ventured several hours away from her home in Dallas to an
adoption “match” event, where children ages 6-17 who are seeking a
“forever home” would be on hand to meet with potential adoptive
parents. Suzanne admitted that she was afraid to have her heart broken
and her hopes dashed again. She was not sure she even had the courage
to make the trip. But she went anyway.
A “post-event” message
from Suzanne revealed that she may have very well made a “match”. She
attended this event with the idea that she would seek the adoption of
boy age 14 or older. She had a long list of reasons for this choice.
Instead, she “clicked” with a 16-year-old girl. The caseworker told
Suzanne that the girl had asked if any potential parents liked her. The
caseworker said she could not discuss this, but she asked the girl if
she was interested in any of the adults. There was only one – Suzanne!
So she has authorized the go-ahead to get better acquainted with the
16-year-old. Suzanne is cautiously optimistic... she hopes this is a
good “fit”...and that God allows her to adopt at least one sibling.
There was also a “connection” with a 12-year-old girl who had a “blue
mouth” from eating a sno-cone. As Suzanne put it...“I might be on my
way to being a mom. And then, we can look into getting her some younger
siblings! Maybe a little [12-year-old, blue-mouthed] firecracker!”
I
wrote to Suzanne and congratulated her on the successful trip...and the
possibilities that lie ahead. I told her...”I am continually amazed at
what God can do when we step aside and let Him have control. It sounds
like He has a wonderful, exciting, ‘girlie’ plan for you! Best wishes
and prayers for the perfect outcome!”
Here’s the thing...many
of us undergo some pretty devastating experiences. We endure hardships
and challenges that are gut-wrenching...inexplicable...and at times,
almost unbearably grieving. Like Suzanne, we are sometimes brought so
low that we feel betrayed and used...and we almost lose our faith. But
we see in this scripture passage that God uses these times to strengthen
us...and He rewards our faithfulness. I don’t know when, where or
how...but He does. Of this, I am totally convinced.
I cannot
say with certainty that this time next year, Suzanne will have a family
that includes a teenager or two. But I know that God is at work...and
if she will stay faithful and obedient, whatever He has in store for her
will be glorious and perfect. That’s how God rolls...He is merciful
and gracious...and generous beyond description. When we trust Him, He
delivers...sometimes even sno-cone-blue-mouthed tweenagers!
How
will you trust God in your circumstances today? Are you ready for your
own share of the “glorious life” that He offers? Will this be the day
you surrender control and let Him handle things? Isn’t it time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
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