Monday, March 4, 2013

March Forth!

It's that special (and emotional!) day for me again.  March 4th...or better know around here as "March FORTH!".  It was exactly 2 years ago today that we found out that Ethiopian adoptions were about to slow down big time.  And obviously, they did.  We sit here 2 years later, still on the wait list for our daughter in Ethiopia.

The cool thing about March 4th is that God told us to do that very thing...to stay the course and continue to "march forth" on this adoption journey to our daughter in Ethiopia.  We really took time to make sure that's what He was telling us to do, and He continued to confirm it.  We knew we were probably in for a longer adoption process although we had no idea just how long it might be.  And we still don't know, but we are continuing to "march forth" towards our daughter.

Jody and I watched the first part of the Bible series on the History Channel last night.  I have heard and read all of these Bible stories so many times, but I walked away last night with a fresh perspective on faith and trust.  My heart was overwhelmed with the message to "trust God", as many of these Bible characters continued to say on the show last night.

And I was reminded that God asked His people to do some pretty tough things to show their faith in Him.

Noah was told to build a boat.  And he obeyed, not knowing the future and while people laughed at him.  He continued to trust God even as they were out on the water for 40 days and nights.

Abraham was told to leave his people and go to a new land that God was giving him and his descendants.  He was promised a son through his aging and barren wife.  Abraham kept trusting God,

Then God asked him to sacrifice his son, Isaac, and Abraham was in the process of doing just that, when God provided a lamb to sacrifice in his place.  Abraham proved his faith in God, and God once again was faithful and trustworthy.

Moses was told to go rescue his people from the hands of Pharaoh in Egypt.  He obeyed even though this seemed like an impossible task.  God showed His power to all of His people and to all of Egypt.  And Moses led his people out of Egypt reminding them to trust God to lead them to their new land.

As they faced the Red Sea with the Egyptian army coming after them, God parted the Red Sea for them to walk through safely.  Moses led his people across telling them to trust God.

Then Joshua was told to step up and lead His people to defeat the city of Jericho, which seemed like another impossible task but was God was with them.

Following Christ is not always easy, and sometimes He asks us to do hard things.  But we can cling to the hope that He is always with us.  We just have to keeping trusting God.  He is working all things together for our good and His glory.

Today, I am just having to take all my doubts and fears and bring them out into the light of who Jesus is and what His word says.  I am refusing to worry and to give in to discouragement.  We will continue to "march forth" in this journey for our daughter.  The One who calls us is faithful, and He will do it!

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9

7 comments:

Allison said...

Adoption is heavy on my heart today... thinking of all of you waiting families, praying for peace and patience as you continue to wait for the one God has planned for you! Caroline Faith will be worth this wait!!

Unknown said...

Amen!!!!! Love your heart and am praying for your family!

Matilda Joyce said...

I am the one who posted the March Forth/Fourth comment on your blog 2 years ago! Well, here you are at #3... and so close!
How long are they estimating from the time you're matched until the time you will bring her home?

Meaghan said...

When I looked at the calendar today, I thought of you. We'll March Forth together. :)

Heather Wood said...

So inspired by your faith as you "March Forth" in this process. Your faith is amazing.
Loved the Bible series. I only got a small part, but I thought, "Wow! Mose!" How did he do it? So much faith in such trying times. I love putting movie/faces with a story I've read over and over although not real. It just puts things into perspective for my pictorial mind.

Go and Tell said...

God has constantly been reminding me of those same "heroes of faith" lately......I will pray for Caroline Faith today as I pray for our baby....Come on referrals!!

Rachel Pehl said...

Your blog is so encouraging. So many times, you blog has been exactly what I need to be reminded that God has got our adoption under control...even if we do not. Praying for your little girl today. I can not wait for you to have a picture of her. It is one of the best feelings in the world!