The joy of the Lord is your strength!
Nehemiah 8:10
I love this verse! My aunt Joyce sent it to me today and it came at such a perfect time. We had dropped Sam at school today and as the minutes ticked by until the 3:20 p.m. pick up time, my mind began to wonder...
"Will he like it?"
"Will the other kids accept him?"
"Does he really feel at home with us?"
"Will I ever be able to live up to his biological mother?"
"Will we provide him all that he needs while he is here?"
"Am I going to remember how to do Algebra II and American History?"
You see...Satan absolutely hates what is going on here. He is looking for any little crack or crevice to creep into this situation.
He sees a family from Ghana who have placed their absolute faith and trust in the work of Jesus Christ on the cross.
He sees how they prayed for opportunity for their only son and God provided it.
He sees how Sam is arriving into a family who also believes and trusts in the salvation through Jesus Christ.
He sees prayer, and talk of testimonies in Christ, and love that comes through God alone.
He sees where this could go and how many people could be touched by this journey.
He sees where this could go and how many people could be touched by this journey.
AND SATAN HATES IT, so he tries to get his foot in the door.
And sometimes, sometimes we do it to ourselves...through our own minds. Through our own fears and doubt.
Today, I was questioning, I was letting my mind wonder, just for a second.... Today, I was human and Satan is prowling outside the door like a lion ready to pounce, ready to take any opportunity if I should slip up and profess that doubt.
And sometimes, sometimes we do it to ourselves...through our own minds. Through our own fears and doubt.
Today, I was questioning, I was letting my mind wonder, just for a second.... Today, I was human and Satan is prowling outside the door like a lion ready to pounce, ready to take any opportunity if I should slip up and profess that doubt.
BUT GOD CAME FIRST.
GOD provided HIS word to me through my aunt's email.
GOD provided HIS word to me through my aunt's email.
The joy of the Lord is your strength!
Nehemiah 8:10
You see...today was pure joy.
Today, I got to hear Sam's testimony of his decision to put his faith in Christ at age 6.
Today, around the supper table I got to laugh with Sam about being the only black kid at the school.
Today, I got to see him dunk the basketball as little white kids watched in awe at our local basketball facility.
Today, I got to watch as a local college girl, back on break, facilitated an invitation for Sam to join team shoot-around and meal tomorrow afternoon.
Today, I got to see Sam hug Faith as she came home from school.
Today, I got to read comments on my blog from old friends and new friends who bring us strength as they share in our journey.
Today, I got to hear how my 8 year old niece, who hasn't even met Sam yet, will be sharing his story with her class at show and tell tomorrow!
Today, I got to hear how my 8 year old niece, who hasn't even met Sam yet, will be sharing his story with her class at show and tell tomorrow!
Today, I got to see Luke share his treasured Ipod with his new brother.
Today....I could go on and on.
Pure Joy...joy from the Lord! Joy in obedience. Joy in seeing how God brings believers together and how His love crosses all race, age, experience, etc.
Pure Joy!
The joy of the Lord is your strength.
Nehemiah 8:10
Thanks Aunt Joyce,
Love, Jen
PS...Pictures tomorrow I promise!
This battle is already won...there is VICTORY in CHRIST!! May the Lord bless your family.
ReplyDeleteAWESOME!!!!!!!!! I LOVE it when God's hand becomes so evident and clear. :)
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