Something strange happened this weekend. It is hard for me not to sound overly dramatic, but I just want to recap the situation for you.
At the beginning of July, we have a $3,000 payment due to our adoption agency. We had a little bit of money that could go to that payment, but then a)I dented the van, b)Trent imapled his finger with a lawn thatching spike and we had to take an unplanned trip to the emergency department and c)Carson evidently has very crammed teeth and has 2 little cavities that need to be filled. Three unexpected financial burdens. I was concerned but not panicked. I poured my energy and time into this insane garage sale, which was to begin with a downpour of rain on Friday. Trent (bless his heart) told me he would be happy with $800 from the sale. I was telling people I was hoping for $1000, but secretly wishing we could make $1500 to get us closer to that payment.
We ended up making just around $3050. The EXACT amount of our payment. In our pockets, ready to go. I will never believe that was a coincidence. Rory used a phrase I'd never heard: God funds what He favors. And that was just it.
Throughout these last 5 months of a brand new journey and leap of faith, I've been rejuvenated and found a new passion. But a few times I've had to search my heart and ask Trent and myself difficult questions, like WHY are we doing this? Is this for our glory and attention? We've learned so much about adoption and loss and trauma and attachment, and I found myself asking: Do we have what it takes to parent an adopted child? Was I convincing myself that this was God's will when really I was just reacting emotionally to the Haiti earthquake?
With the results of our sale--especially the way that the financial gain was a direct result of DOZENS of people pitching in to help--I felt almost a physical peace that my God was saying, "I approve. You are doing what I've asked you to do. Now just keep going and trust Me." It may sound overly dramatic or silly-spiritual to you, but that's the way I feel. We are proceeding in His favor, and I cannot think of a better place to be.
But wait..there's more! To be continued...
9 comments:
Hi Jen,
I just wanted to let you know I've been following your blog and praying for your adoption process. Praise God! I can't say that I am surprised by the success of the garage sale. God is truly working, and what an amazing testimony you will have to share with your new little one! There are no limits to what God will do to bring his people to a saving knowledge of him! I can't wait to read part 2!
Kind of like Christie said above, how awesome will it be to tell New Baby Tompkins one day how much he/she was already loved by so many people way before we met him/her and how God provided exactly what was needed AT EACH STEP to get him/her home. Truly awesome! Thank you, God!
Great is His faithfulness !
Ohh... I hate TBC's...
BUT, I do love God's faithfulness and I do love the way He has confirmed in your spirit what He already has set out to do. I love that HE knows so much more than we do and just calls us to TRUST. So hard sometimes but so peaceful in moments like these. I'm so blessed by this Jen, so thankful for answered prayers and so excited for encoutering each knew step with you guys. Love ya.
It's so encouraging to hear these stories of God sending confirmations that we are following His will. We're praying for Him to reveal His will for us right now as my husband is looking for employment. We are going to trust that if He can care for little sparrows that He can care for us, too. Thanks for sharing! God bless you as you follow on this faith journey.
O mercy Jen. We are witnessing a miracle in action. I'm so amazed by your faithfulness and God's faithfulness to you. OH, it is just SO good. SO SO good.
WE ARE SO HAPPY FOR YOU! And yes...there is more to this story. So much more. Can't wait to watch it all unfold.
Dearest Jen, My faith is being strengthened along with yours as you go through this adventure. God is good. All the time.
I LOVE reading these updates. God is a BIG and amazing God and I am so happy for you. Little happy tears sting my eyes almost every time I check in with Brazenlilly. Well, almost every time. The "dig it" post made me giggle. A lot. Love ya!
That is awesome, Jen! God is amazing. I am so happy for you guys.
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