Faith-Steps

Someone once told me that God will provide for every step along His journey for us. Under one condition.
He only provides as we first take the step.

This idea reminds me of Peter when he desired to walk on the water with Jesus. First, Peter's desire became action. Only then, Christ met him with the full ability. It would have been one thing for Peter to privately, sheepishly request "water-walking" lessons from Jesus. Maybe at a time when they were alone, when "the guys" couldn't see him struggle in the waves. Maybe at a more "appropriate" time, maybe when the waves weren't so high. But instead, Peter swung his leg over the edge and jumped out the boat, in front of those nearest and dearest to his heart. He cast himself and his reputation into the sea of surrender, straight into the arms of Jesus.

Of course, I can't leave out a crucial part of this story: Peter's faith did falter, and he sank in fear. But Christ's hand was close, and His footing was sure. The point is this: Peter could have never known the full extent of God's provision or his own ability to be used... if he hadn't jumped out of the boat. In front of others. I believe Jesus planted that desire in Peter's heart to show ALL the disciples what could be done with a recklessly surrendered heart. It was for His glory. Christ was magnified.

That's what our desire is for our family. That Christ would be showcased in all that we do. Which is why I'm making this blog public. This is the story of our adoption, the story of our family, and the story of God's family - all overlapping into one.

Several months ago, God planted a desire in our hearts - to pursue an international adoption. We stuck our toes into the sea of faith, tested the waters, and completed an international home study. God placed His seal of approval upon this "faith-step" by reimbursing the cost - to the dollar amount.

Shortly thereafter, we found out we were expecting Adeline! We were, and still are, ecstatic about the gift of our girl. But we've never forgotten about our child to come. Our child from across the world. I truly feel as if I'm expecting two - one in my womb, but both in my heart. One is due in October. The other is due in well over a year. Both of them eagerly anticipated. Both of them just as much a part of who we are as Blaine (our almost-three-year-old) is today.

So here we are. Perched on the edge of the boat, ready to jump, in front of all of you. Making our "faith-step" public. So that Christ might be glorified.