We didn't sleep well at all last night, and I found myself praying all night long, pretty much.
We are really struggling with the news that we have been receiving about the families who are at the orphanage now, trying to bring home their children. It is heartbreaking for the kids, and for their parents, and for us, when we think that we might never get to meet the little girl who we have been praying for since last Spring when we learned about the orphanage, and began praying about which child/children God might have for us. When we saw her picture in November we both knew that she was the one.

I have been praying some scriptures since I started doing Priscilla Shirer's Bible study, 'He Speaks To Me', and they have been very comforting. I am the world's worst waiter when we are adopting internationally, and they seem very fitting for the situation that is happening with the families right now.

The Message
Col. 1:11-12
We pray that you'll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul, not the grim strength of gritting your teeth, but the glory strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that He has for us.

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Exodus 13:17-18 NLT
Israel’s Wilderness Detour
17 When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land. God said, “If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” 18 So God led them in a roundabout way through the wilderness toward the Red Sea.[c] Thus the Israelites left Egypt like an army ready for battle.[d

from the study notes section of my Bible regarding this scripture:

God doesn't always work in the way that seems best to us. He took the Israelites on a longer route to avoid fighting the Philistines. If God doesn't lead you along the shortest path to your goal, don't complain or resist. Follow Him willingly and trust Him to lead you safely around unseen obstacles. He can see the end of your journey from the beginning, and He knows the safest and best route.

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Isaiah 65:24

I will answer them, before they even call to me. While they are still talking to me about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers.

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