I am thankful today.
I wrote yesterday about my struggles. I have spent the last two days feeling sorry for myself. I am not going to say that my feelings were wrong, but I did let them get in the way of what I know is true. I was overwhelmed and cranky. As one of my favorite books, Anne of Green Gables, states, I “was in the depths of despair.”
And now I am not.
Have my circumstances changed? No. But my attitude has. And the only thing I can attribute that to is God and the prayerful support of all of you.
I woke up this morning with more peace and joy in my heart than I have felt for a long time. I woke up to many messages and emails encouraging me and promising me that I am surrounded in prayer. I woke up and spent time with my Father and it was a balm to my soul.
I wanted to share just a few verses and quotes that I read today.
The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged. ~ Deuteronomy 31:8
If God is for us, who can be against us? ~ Romans 8:31
Peace does not dwell in outward things but in the heart prepared to wait trustfully and quietly on Him who has all things safely in His hands. ~ Elisabeth Elliot
And this comment by a missionary here in Ethiopia…
I realized early on that Africa did not need me, but that I desperately needed Africa.~ Christy Shannon
Why am I here? Is it just to adopt these 4 children? Is it to help in the orphanage? Is it to partner with Bring Love In? No. God doesn’t need me for any of that! But I need to be here. Because God has lessons for me to learn. As another friend pointed out – He is pruning me. Africa doesn’t need me, but I need Africa.
So, while I wait for my family to be complete, I am going to try to focus on what God is teaching me. How is God changing me and pruning me? And hopefully, I can be more thankful and less resentful of the wait.
The last verse I want to share with you today is this….
The scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. ~ Romans 15:4
Thank you Lord for my friends who pray for me and encourage me. Thank you for your word which is alive and breathes joy into my soul. Thank you for the wait. (I don’t know if I can honestly claim that last one, but I am going to try!)
Blessings!
Natalie
PRAYER REQUESTS/PRAISES
*So thankful for an extra measure of joy today.
*We are supposed to get that last document this week! Please pray it really happens.
praying deeply for moving forward with the adoption, but rejoicing in what God has given you through the peace that only HE is able to place in your heart. praying for you all today. for all 6 of your sweet kiddos. for you and scott. for continued peace and continued joy. my husband just preached on ‘joy’ and what it looks like in our life. this blog post shows that kind of joy that God gives versus the happiness we want. hugs. & prayers.
I knew that today would be a newer you with this wonderful attitude ajustment. You have too much love to share to stay in that funk. Upward and onward. Each day one step and prayer at a time to the goal.
Just think how grateful you’ll be when you get back for things you normally take for granted (for about a week 😉
What a joy to see answers to prayers, the Lord is our strength and our stronghold. You are a blessing to us all Nat & family. Praying for our missionary family!!
Love you dearly,
Mom & Andy