Beyond the Gate

I really struggled in college... graduating was nothing but a miracle. I was a terrible student. I had test anxiety and would get sick during most of my tests. I knew God had called me to go to college, but honestly it was because of Him and Him alone I got that piece of paper.

Math was my hardest subject. I had this theory (in hindsight it was a stupid theory) that I should take all my math classes first since I hated math so much and get it done and over with. The problem with that is I switched my major a lot... and each major had different math requirements. By the time I graduated I had almost enough math credits to have minored in math.

Psalm 138:8 got me through my classes... math in particular. I wrote this verse on a piece of paper and kept it in my calculator. I always expected a professor to think I was cheating because I pulled that piece of paper out during most classes and all of my tests. I was never questioned about it. That piece of paper alone carried a message that gave me enough hope to get a bigger piece of paper.

I have this verse hanging in "The Girls' Room." I hope it will encourage them to press on as well.

I have this picture hanging in my living room. A few years ago I saw this picture a friend of mine had taken of a mutual friend's child. Although this is a great picture and the little girl is so sweet, the Lord used this picture to speak to me about how He wants us to wait on His promises. I believe the Lord gave me the few verses below to teach me more about Him.

The look of anticipation, hope and trust. Looking beyond the closed gate. Knowing that an answered prayer is on the horizon she starts to stand on her tip toes in expectation... Waiting with a child's faith. Knowing her Father is good. She pulls her face closer to the closed gate, still not seeing the gate, fixing her eyes on the promise.

Next Saturday it will be 18 months since I started to pursue adoption. The world would tell me I am looking for a needle in a haystack. But I can't stop looking at that picture. The gate is right up in her face telling her it can't be done... and yet in her faith, she looks beyond, knowing the answer is coming.

I believe the Lord gives us these little encouragements to help us press on when we grow weary.

I am full of faith, refreshed, excited, and confident that "The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me..."