If you read the link that is in the post from August, (http://itsalmostnaptime.blogspot.com/2010/08/spiritual-attack-for-those-who-adopt.html) you'll see why I've been slightly paranoid about this adoption journey. This blogger shares the physical attacks that began to occur when they decided to adopt. Then, at the bottom of the post, there are several comments about stories of other prospective adoptive families that have come under the same kind of spiritual attack! YIKES!
It makes sense: God loves adoption (He adopted us, after all-Ephesians 5:1-6), He is the Father to the Fatherless (Psalm 68:5), and He says that looking after orphans (and widows) is pure and faultless religion (James 1:27)! And, we know that Satan is the father of lies and that he hates what God loves. So, of course, he is going to try what he can to stand in the way of making God's plan work!
So, what is our best defense? Well, prayer. It's how we summon an army of angels to protect us and assist us in carrying out God's plan to care for those who need care and to further His kingdom.
Why am I writing this today? I'm glad you asked!
So far, our adoption process has gone VERY smoothly. With the exception of the fact that I am a lousy fund-raiser (I admit it, but I'm still going to keep trying...I have a really great idea for the next one, BTW!;)), we have had virtually NO hiccups in the process. I'd like to attribute it to my impecible organizational skills (HA!), but truly, God has been so apparent in how smooth the process has been!
that he could have fixed up for us in about 10 weeks. Perfect! It was to be our first purchase that was a physical reminder that our family is going to be growing soon. It was priced right so that we could sell our Honda Passport and pay cash for the rest. Easy, cheesy, right?!
Not. so. much. Here's the deal. The van is done (and looks amazing, I might add...thank you, Roger Gronewald!), and, yes, it was finished VERY early (3 weeks instead of 10!). So, we thought how crazy it was that it happened so quickly. However, we listed our Honda in three places and sent out the word via FaceBook, but had NO bites! We thought this was so weird. We had it priced to sell, but no one was interested! Here's the kicker...we're driving it to Silver Dollar City today, we're on James River Expressway, and we hear this weird noise and smell a burning! It's the car! Trev pulls over, pops the hood and the car has NO FLUID! NONE! No oil, no coolant, nothing. We have it towed to a shop where they tell us ($85 later) that the car needs a NEW ENGINE! Are you kidding me? A new engine will cost what we were asking for it. Simply doesn't make any sense!
So, there you have it. Our first physical move towards our adoption and our first attack. That is the only way I know to describe it. There were no leaks and we were not due for an oil change for another 1,500 miles.
Now, being a glass-half-full, sunny-side-up kinda girl, you know I have to look on the bright side. Here it is: 1. Some of our best friends, the Jetts, were traveling with us in what just so happened to be a 6-seater car, so we were not completely stranded! 2. We did not sell the car in the last three weeks! I am praising Jesus that this did not happen to someone who thought that they had bought a nice, new-to-them, reliable car. 3. We have a van ready for us. While this does not meet our financial need, it certainly meets our physical one!
Moral of this story...I'm afraid that the attacks are not over, but simply beginning.
WE COVET YOUR PRAYERS!
If you are the prayer-warrior type, please pray for two things for us:
- That God will send a hedge of protection over our family throughout this process. We need some angels, people!
- That our financial needs will be met. This hit set us back quite a bit and it will take some time to recoup the money that we planned to use on our adoption. In a way, this is good. We will HAVE to rely on God's financial provision for our adoption, especially if it happens quickly now.
Thank you so much for supporting us!
Wow Jenn! You have a great attitude. Here is the scripture that I am standing on.
ReplyDeleteRomans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God and have been called according to His purpose.
Hang in there. We are definitely praying a hedge of protection over your family and those precious babies you are about to meet. God will make a way.
Jenn, we're praying :)
ReplyDelete...and REJOICING because as of today we're #48 on the waiting list!!!
I haven't blogged yet, but I had to let you know!
2011 is going to be a crazy year!
blessings,
emily
Joyce, thank you for your encouraging words and for reminding me that He never fails us! :)
ReplyDeleteEmily, SO SO excited for you! You're our waiting list neighbors!! :):):)
Just read this post-- girl, we can totally relate! Since we announced our decision to adopt, our car has been in the shop not once, but twice. 3 light fixtures in our house have been broken by crazy things like lightning strikes. Both toilets and the kitchen sink broke in the same week (the week we sent in our application and first payment). Our air conditioner broke. Now half of our outlets have stopped working, so we need to call an electrician out again. We've both gotten sick more in the last couple of months than our entire married life combined. We have people who continually throw venomous arrows at us in the form of discouragement and hateful remarks. So yes, I TOTALLY believe that there is a spiritual attack element to adoption. But I also TOTALLY believe that our God is way bigger, and while the battles may make us feel defeated, He has already won the war. Every time something like that has happened to us, He provided in some other unexpected way. Praying for you-- really. Call or email anytime you need to talk!
ReplyDelete