"The Necessity of Persistence"

This book has some great encouragement on so many levels. We found it in the clearance section at a Mardel, and we were immediately drawn to the title. For us, we desperately long for the little girl we know as Abigail. We eagerly wait to see her and however many more children God wants entrust to us - whether He gives them through adoption or birth. With that said, one particular day - back in September I believe - I(Missy) was especially discouraged because China was still extremely backlogged. As a matter of fact, things haven't changed much at all. America World received only 3 referrals this past week, and they were all for families that have been waiting since February of 2006. In case you weren't sure what that means - these families have been waiting for almost 3 yrs - which means that our estimated wait time is....you guessed it I'm sure - almost 3 yrs. We have only put in a little over a year now. Oh, how our hearts ache at times! We may not know what it's like to see the visible effects of a child growing in a womb that will one day be a part of our family, but our hearts definitely already know Abigail. She is no less real to us or a part of us than if God had created her through us. So, what do you do in situation that is completely out of your control? The way I see it, there are 2 choices - despair or rest in the hope of the One that holds the hearts of kings in His hand and directs them like a watercourse wherever He pleases.(Proverbs 21:1)
With all that said, back on that discouraging day in September, as our Great Heavenly Daddy would have it, I read this fitting devotional for the day - and here is a piece of it:

And will not God bring about
justice for His chosen ones,

who cry out to Him day and
night? Will he keep putting them off?

I tell you, He will see that
they get justice, and quickly. - Luke 18:7-8

"In the tale of 'the persistent widow,' an indifferent, arrogant judge refused to handle
a widow's case. The widow kept coming to his home and begging him to rule on her behalf. The judge finally agreed to grant her request, but only because he grew tired of her consistent pestering. How do you picture God? Do you see God as the indifferent judge who must be worn down by your repeated prayers? Do you feel exhausted and even angry that your any pleas have gone unanswered and wonder if you should keep on asking? Jesus reassures us in this parable that if an evil judge can be swayed by sheer persistence, a loving God surely listens to repeated cries and, at the appropriate time, will move quickly to act...Jesus tells us not to lose heart as we 'cry out to Him day and night' because He is going to act on our behalf...It is His good pleasure to act on your behalf, in His perfect timing."

What a wonderful reminder this was and still is - our God is so much bigger than anything we face. His timing is perfect and His ways are so mysterious to us - and all motivated by His love. Please continue to PRAY with us that many sons and daughters would come home from China and around the world (in case you weren't aware - our enemy has been at work in international adoption - many countries are experiencing long delays and setbacks) before 2008 comes to a close.