It is an incredible thing to think of -adoption. I’m pretty sure we’ll all familiar with the idea of becoming children of God through saving faith; but, do we really stop and think about what this means? In regeneration we are spiritually renewed and in justification we now are in right standing before the Lord; in adoption, we are given membership into God’s family and what a glorious blessing that is. Adoption has to do with our relationship with God as our Father. This was not an obligation but a blessing we are undeserving to receive. Even after regenerating us and justifying us the Lord did not have to establish his relationship with us as a Father. We are able to talk to him as a Father (Matthew 6:9 & Galatians 4:7) -we get to be intimate with Him and see Him love and understand us (Matthew 7:11). Not only are we able to experience this closeness with Him but also a deep relationship with the rest of our brothers and sisters.
This week has been kind of rough but through it all we can see that the Lord is a good Father and takes care of his own.
The process of emailing people, calling people, and meeting with people to ask them if they can support us financially is strenuous. Not the part of sharing what the Lord has opened doors for us to do (we love that part!), but the part of being told “no” so often. We have received so much encouragement and love from so many -but this week the majority of emails have been negative. Now, please, do not get me wrong, the Lord will provide in the way that He chooses and that will be the best thing for us and for his glory (and apparently, the way He chooses seems to be through the most unexpected people -what a wonderful way for Him to show us He is in control and that we do not accomplish anything by our own efforts!)
Yesterday afternoon we got a “no” from a church that we thought was going to be a major supporter -so needless to say I was a little disheartened. Throughout this whole process I have been praying that I will be realistic with my expectations, knowing that two months is not a long time to raise support. Nonetheless, I have examined my heart and seen that while I was trying to be “realistic”, I was truly being “pessimistic”. Even in my unbelief, the Lord was gracious to me and sent me encouragement in numerous ways.
He has given me Wednesdays. On Wednesdays we have the pleasure to have dinner with a couple from church who have really become like our stepparents -whenever we have car issues, need to do laundry, or are exceedingly hungry, we get to go to the Hughes. On Wednesdays I also get to see more of our brothers in the faith. I know it sounds like all we talk about is our church family -but when you live in a city (and country) where you don’t have relatives and you have a church family like ours -how can you not? As I’ve mentioned before, we help with the youth -if you usually consider them as the rowdy and disruptive ones of a bunch, you should really pull one of them aside and talk to them. During our discussion group after the lesson, we were able to observe true signs of maturity in one particular student and watch her explain the sweetness of the gospel and how it seems so illogical that we should choose to rebel from him (Isaiah 1, anyone?). It was a blessing to listen to her and then to just spend time talking to several of them -and have them encourage me in our missionary efforts!
It wows me to think of how the Lord really does see the big picture and does what is best for me because He is faithful and a loving Father. Who would have thought that I would end up in St. Louis (a city I didn’t know existed until I applied to MoBap). Who knew that I would have a bizarre and unexpected connection to MoBap? Who would have thought that I would meet members of FBCStP on my first day at MoBap? Who would have thought that Steven and I would feel called to missions so soon? And that this meant not going to med-school in the US? Who would have thought FBCStP would be our sending church? I am in awe of the very unexpected turn of events in the last year and a half and am just so grateful to the Lord for his mercy and patience; to Him be all glory and honor!
Because of the blessings of our Father,
gabriela
