Adoption Finances Lesson #1: For when I am weak

Maybe you know, Philip's job is a commissions-based roller coaster. The economic standstill of 2008 took a big toll, leaving us literally below poverty level for the year. Tight times, clinging to verses like "if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that" and "better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife." Of course, we always had way more than a dry crust and clothing, we have lots to be thankful for! We remind ourselves often that we are not poor, we are simply surrounded by REALLY rich people. God's provision was so amazing that year in that we not only did not miss a bill, we were never even late on a bill. Amazing.

What crazy timing our Lord has, to call us to adoption in the midst of that low year. Why God after teaching us not to be lovers of money, to live simply, and not store up treasures on earth would you call us to something so expensive?

Knowing that other families funded their adoptions by cutting back and saving the money was almost discouraging. We already don't have cable, gym memberships, magazine subscriptions, or cell phone plans. We rarely eat out or buy convenience foods or gifts for each other. Our clothes all come from generous hand-me-downs or cute consignment sale finds. We consider business trips our family vacations, share a car, and eat deer meat, eggs from our chickens, and veggies from the garden.

This already is our wonderful life. BUT it doesn't lend itself to tens of thousands of extra dollars. So, I was pretty distraught last fall wondering how we were going to do this....where exactly are we going to cut back to fund an adoption????

The answer was crystal clear: it's not about what WE are going to do. It is about what He is already doing. God is joining orphans and families. God is knitting our family together. God is going to provide. When He does, we'll KNOW what it is for.

"For when I am weak, then I am strong." For when we have nothing, then He can give us everything.

And so it began. Not like I expected or when I wanted, but right on His time every time. Philip's business has really picked back up and it would be pretty unbelievable....except that it's what we've been praying for. It's the provision God said would happen nine months ago when there was nothing on the horizon....God IS providing and as He does, we know it is for our child. Praise God!

Because of our nothing, His glory is in everything. This is HIS story.