And this is how we like to celebrate . . .
Today we received a much anticipated e-mail from our agency. . . We are logged in with the Chinese government. In fact, we've been logged in since October 8th! (One whole week!) We are so excited.
This means that we are now available for a referral. Our agency believes that the next list will come out at the beginning of next week, which makes it completely possible (although it's still a long shot) that we could be seeing Baby Girl's face very soon. So much to think about. . . I can hardly wait!
Of course waiting is such an intricate part of this journey, and I must admit that this last week I've kind of grumbled and complained about the wait. I just wish it could all move faster!
While I truly know that God is completely in control of this process, our Sunday morning Bible study gave me a clear reminder of why we wait.
Early in his life, God promised Abram that he would be the father of many nations. However, as Abram and Sarai aged there was still no heir. At one point, Abram even considered giving his inheritance to one of his servants. But again, God assured Abram that his heir would be of his own flesh and his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky. Years passed and still no son. Sarai decided that she was tired of waiting and developed her own plan. She would give Abram her servant, Hagar. Hagar soon conceived but instead being the much sought solution . . . the problems had just begun. Hagar bore a son - but he was not the heir God had promised. I imagine Abram and Sarai had really grown tired of waiting!! More years passed and finally . . . when Abram was 99 years old and Sarai was 89 . . . God proclaimed that Sarah would soon bear the chosen son. He even changed their names to Abraham and Sarah so that they would always be reminded of his promise. But, do you remember how they responded??? They laughed!!! After all these years . . .
As we discussed this story yesterday, someone asked . . . why do you think God made them WAIT so long. That's such a good question!
However, now that we're at the end of their story, His reasoning is very easy to see. At 100 and 90 the only way these two could become parents was if God did it. Why did they have to wait? So that God would be glorified!
And isn't this what our purpose in this life is all about . . . bringing God glory??? And even as hard as it may be, we can bring Him glory as we patiently wait . . . always trusting . . . knowing that He always keeps His promises. Is it easy?? Absolutely not! Do we sometimes, like Abraham and Sarah, try to help God with "His" plan? Certainly. However, like those who have gone before us, we can choose to bring God glory by refocusing on His plan, knowing that the process is all about Him and we're just blessed to be a part of it.
