In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence.
- Hebrews 5:7 ESV
This passage of Scripture is a great comfort right now...to know we have a God who hears us! He knows our concerns, even before we know therm. His Spirit is able to intercede on our behalf, even through our loud cries and tears. What is even more of a comfort is reading the next verse, Hebrews 5:8..."Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered." Yes, God heard his cries. Does that mean he prevented Jesus, his own son, from dying on the cross for us? Does that mean that Jesus rebelled and avoided the cross to keep from experiencing pain? Jesus obviously obeyed.
When our family requested prayer to bring Joshna home soon (the Day of Prayer for Joshna was on Tuesday, March 29), I knew God would hear our prayers. What I didn't know was would he answer those with the results I wanted to see? I was preparing myself for delayed results, trying to learn through this suffering, trying to prepare myself for the possibility that God has other plans for the adoption. Little did any of us know that God was at work in Chennai on Tuesday! Our case went before the Scrutiny Hearing, and we were approved to adopt Joshna!!! PRAISE GOD!!!!!
We are truly humbled that God would work so quickly to move within the governmental system to grant us approval. We want to express our deep gratitude for all of our friends and family (and even those we have never met!) for your countless prayers that went out on Tuesday--and for the many prayers throughout the past few years! We did want to approach God reverently, not with the assumption that He would grant our wish immediately. We thank God for his goodness and mercy to us and to our daughter!
The end of this process is nearing, and the next season of adjustment will soon begin. While we are grateful for your prayers, we would like to request continued prayer for the following:
This passage of Scripture is a great comfort right now...to know we have a God who hears us! He knows our concerns, even before we know therm. His Spirit is able to intercede on our behalf, even through our loud cries and tears. What is even more of a comfort is reading the next verse, Hebrews 5:8..."Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered." Yes, God heard his cries. Does that mean he prevented Jesus, his own son, from dying on the cross for us? Does that mean that Jesus rebelled and avoided the cross to keep from experiencing pain? Jesus obviously obeyed.
When our family requested prayer to bring Joshna home soon (the Day of Prayer for Joshna was on Tuesday, March 29), I knew God would hear our prayers. What I didn't know was would he answer those with the results I wanted to see? I was preparing myself for delayed results, trying to learn through this suffering, trying to prepare myself for the possibility that God has other plans for the adoption. Little did any of us know that God was at work in Chennai on Tuesday! Our case went before the Scrutiny Hearing, and we were approved to adopt Joshna!!! PRAISE GOD!!!!!
We are truly humbled that God would work so quickly to move within the governmental system to grant us approval. We want to express our deep gratitude for all of our friends and family (and even those we have never met!) for your countless prayers that went out on Tuesday--and for the many prayers throughout the past few years! We did want to approach God reverently, not with the assumption that He would grant our wish immediately. We thank God for his goodness and mercy to us and to our daughter!
The end of this process is nearing, and the next season of adjustment will soon begin. While we are grateful for your prayers, we would like to request continued prayer for the following:
- praise for the answered prayers!
- for a court date to be set quickly
- for the judge to show up to court on the date set
- for a judge who will look upon our case favorably
- for Joshna's passport to be issued quickly
- for emotional preparation for the entire family, especially Joshna and Ellie
Betsy, I had lost track of your blog for a while, so I am delighted to jump back on just as you have undergone successful scrutinization. You will be in our thoughts as you negotiate the rest of this complex system.
ReplyDeleteWith all good thoughts and prayers,
Hunt (and Karen)