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Trusting God’s Voice Alone

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This last month has been a month of trials, tests, and lots of trust.

When you go through such seasons, do you ever stop and think about how God is working in your life at that moment? Maybe He has asked you to step out in faith and explore something new. The moment you step onto the path, something jumps in front of you, seemingly blocking the way. You cannot pass until it moves, or you simply push pass it.

In June we began the process of adoption. It wasn’t long before the attacks began. Oh yes. Satan will throw those darts to try to veer anyone off the path God has set for them. You better believe it.

In the last few weeks alone, my husband was on the brink of losing his entire career. I went through a week of the possibility of being pregnant (which would not be good for adoption, I’m afraid). And my husband injured himself at work, which could have potentially put him out of work for a season, forcing us to dip into adoption funds.

When you’re in the middle of facing a trial without knowing the outcome, you have two choices:

  1. Panic  or
  2. Trust

Most often our first reaction is to panic.

I think sometimes we mistake the trials that come from following God’s will to not be God’s will. We believe that if it’s in God’s will, it should come with ease. Oh this is so not the case.

There is an enemy out there working against us because God is working for us. He does not want us to succeed and he will aim at the heart of our own fears in order to stop God’s work. It’s so important for us to recognize this work.

I have clung to the promise God has made to us throughout each attack and prayed accordingly. Each attack, if it were carried through to completion, could have destroyed our ability to adopt.

It’s so important to know what God has spoken to you specifically because that is what you will stand on and trust as you work your way through the trial. Do not look at the things that are seen, but trust the unseen. This is a faith that doesn’t come without battling prayer. Flesh and self want to come in and reason and use logic and it may appear sensible; but it’s simply not what God has told you.

Mary DeMuth says it beautifully in her book, Beautiful Battle:

Spiritual warfare has more to do with the state of your heart before a holy God than a list of things to do or avoid. It involves interaction, sometimes confusion, falling down, getting back up. It involves your willingness to look foolish, to take crazy steps, to trust God’s voice. While there are principles to know and practice, it’s your ability to trust God’s power and authority that will bring about the victorious life.

 (Disclaimer: God’s voice must line up with His word. He will not contradict what is written in the Bible). 

When God speaks to you about stepping out in faith, keep your eyes and ears only on Him. Stand firm on what He has told you and ask Him for confirmations to be certain you’re hearing Him.

You can read more about our adoption here.

If you’re interested in helping to support our adoption, you can buy Avodah coffee and a percentage of it goes to help fund our adoption. Thank you for your support and prayers!

Note: Only the link in this button will be counted toward adoption support. Thanks!

 

 

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Comments

  1. Oh Christin, been there done that!  Thanks for sharing this and putting the truth forward that God is always trustworthy.  I hope for you both that the process goes smoothly and quickly – then watch out!!  🙂

  2. So well said.  And the quote from Mary DeMuth is excellent.  Just over 3 years ago my husband and I lost our jobs at the same moment.  We had been teaching kids, “I can trust God no matter what.”  And a few weeks before, I heard the Holy Spirit say to me after I had spoke those words, “Do you really?”  My immediate response was, “I hope so.”   But, until we actually need to full out trust, we never will know.  It was 2.5 years before my husband was back working in his calling.  I am still waiting on God.  But.  One thing I know for sure.  God IS trustworthy.  And though we walk through the valley.  He is with us.  And really does anything else matter?

    May God bless you with a child and keep you strong as you walk in faith.

  4. Christin,
    It’s a privilege to pray for your family as you walk the road of adoption. It’s one of the closest things to God’s heart since it mirrors our vertical adoption of us into his own family. I have seen so much spiritual warfare working with families who embark on the adoption process… as you said, the enemy definitely wants to steer you away from following through and he throws many arrows hoping we will not trust we heard God’s voice to adopt. 

    I have a friend who upon embarking down the road of adoption, her husband lost 3 jobs over 2 years and they had to restart their paperwork because things expired. They pressed on though and are right now picking up their son in the Philippines. 

    I’ve learned through this challenging process that it is more about our personal faith journey than bringing a child home, after all God cares for and loves them more than even we do. Yet, He also cares for and loves your family and He knows this is a special time that He can use to speak to your heart.Adoption is not for the faint at heart, it is for the strong at heart.

    Adoption is not for those who expect something in return, it is for those who are returning the gratitude they already have.
    Adoption is not for those who want to be the knight in shining armor rescuing the distressed, it is for those who are soldiers in the Kingdom of God who want to share the love of Jesus with a child who has no hope.Adoption is amazing, challenging, beautiful, a journey full of tears, full of joy, full of prayers, full of God. We must earnestly consider our motives for adoption and we must do it for the glory of our Lord.

    Your families heart IS in the right place, God’s will, and I believe that God will carry you through this and greatly bless you for your trust, faith, patience, and perseverance. You have been and will continue to shine God’s light and glory brightly to others.

    Lord, I pray Christin and her family will continue to hold tight to their trust in you that it is You who has called them to the journey of adoption. I pray the blood of Jesus over their family in protection against the enemy and his desire to deter them from the plans you have called them to. In the difficult times please give them your peace that surpasses all understanding and I pray they will always remember that because they have committed their adoption to you that your plan is already in place and will come to fruition. Give them the ability to see what you have for them in becoming closer to you in their personal relationship with you and may they see much growth, fruit and joy that they can share with others. I pray for the child you have chosen for them and that you would provide for and protect him/her as they wait for their new forever family. Amen!

    “He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.” Psalm 112:7

    •  Tara, thank you so very much. I appreciate your words and your prayers over my family. It means more to me than I can say.

  5. For a moment I started to ask myself… Did I write this? Seriously, if it weren’t for the possibility of you being pregnant, I would have thought it was me! 😉  Adoption, attacks, and all. Standing with you and praying with you!

  6. Christin, thank you for sharing your heart here.  Way to go, girl, on your awesome trust and perseverance!  You are glorifying God, and I’m sure He is beaming with love and pride in you right now!  I will pray for peace and joy for you all in the midst of your trials.

  7. You do not understand how deeply I needed to hear this message.  Recently i decided to quit my day job to stay home with my girls (and watch one family 4 days a week for some extra income).  I have known in my heart this was a calling from God, and a dream since my daughter was born 4 years ago.

    Recently things have gotten difficult with this family – having me doubt myself, not only as a caretaker and as a SAHM, but just as a Christian woman.

    Thank you for these words – you can be assured i will pass this message along to those around me!

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