Smoke detectors and Kia's...what could these things have in common?
Well, they are the tools Satan uses against me. Anytime Joe and I begin to really buckle down on the budget and tithing, the Kia (or our other ghetto fabulous vehicle) goes out...and not just goes out, but catastrophically falls apart, always costing a thousand dollars or more. It was the story of our summer. And it happened again the day before we submitted our adoption application. To start the process, it costs right around $3000. To pay for the Kia, $1500. Blah!
The other thorn in my side is smoke detectors. You'd think being married to a firefighter would help me in this situation, but it does not. Always.in.the.middle.of.the.night. When Joe is away at work, the chirping starts or even better, the full blown alarm mode at 2 am. Coming from the demon possessed one at the top of the vaulted ceiling. Thankfully my children can sleep through anything, (except my phone alarm vibrating at 4:30am), so they are always untethered. But kid you not, the night before the application was turned in.
Needless to say, although it sounds like frat house warfare, I do believe it is spiritual warfare. My biggest weakness is apathy, which comes when I am tired, frustrated, or feeling small. These attacks, although annoying and derailing at times only prove this is worth fighting for. Caring for "the least of these" has eternal significance, otherwise Satan wouldn't care.
"You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you." Galatians 5:7, 8
My prayer is that I don't doubt what the Lord has called our family to. He was clear in the message and has been faithful in the details. From the moment we stepped out and announced we were adopting, it has been one attack after another. I am not trying to sugar coat it, it has been more personal and deep than stupid cars and chirping appliances, but He is faithful. This is only the beginning and I know Satan is not done, but I am grateful to be serving a God who has already won the battle.
"I know that you can do all things, no plan of yours can be thwarted." Job 42:2
So, despite money being siphoned from our account and the deafening 2 am slap in the face, we went forward.
"We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
So I'm the dork that is going to probably comment on every.single blog you ever post. But I have to say - as much as I knew from talking to you that this was real, there is something really really special about seeing the pictures of your family with your application, waiting for the new little family member God has chosen for your family before the beginning of time!
ReplyDeleteAnd about the attacks - geez - I know theoretically we are all supposed to see attack as confirmation that we are on the right road, but it is SO HARD when the car breaks and the taxes are due and the alarm is going off and people say crazy things... so just know we are praying for you, love you guys, and support you in it all. And Lord willing - we'll be following right behind you.