Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Embracing Grace

Dear brothers and sisters,when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
James 1:2-3

Today I am thankful for God's grace. I am thankful that although I am undeserved, He extends His grace to me each day.

I'm feeling a bit like a spiritual failure today. So although I don't want to turn this into a whiny post, I want to be honest and say today I am having a bit of a down day.

I made the mistake of looking at the Precious website. I see the long list of agencies with waiting children and wonder why in a country filled with such great need for adoptive parents I don't seem to have the ability to adopt even one.

Dear Lord,
Give me the strength & grace to live each day for You -
trusting in Your perfect plan and leaning not on my own understanding.
Thank you for your unending love & grace.
Amen

10 comments:

CG said...

You're in my prayers, sweet friend, as always.

Michelle said...

Oh sweet Stephanie. I am so sorry. Thanks for being real. I am having one of those days myself and it is comforting to know I do not struggle alone. May the Father flood us both with His grace. I love ya.

Kristi said...

Don't beat yourself up. If it's not the right time then it's not the right time. Good things come to those who wait. Being patient is the hardest thing.

Kathy Eden said...

I'm at a loss for comforting words right now but please know that I am praying for you. {{{Hugs}}}

crispy said...

It is OK to struggle. We all do from time to time. May the comfort of the Spirit encourage you today.

Tereasa said...

Oh, there will be many days like this. I'm sorry. You have lots of friends praying for you!

The Gang's Momma! said...

I'm so sorry. I can't imagine your pain. I'm going to pray tonite while I'm doing my quiet time . . . just for you.

Leslie said...

Hang in there. God is faithful and He will complete the work He has begun in you.

livingpurereligion said...

Looking at waiting children lists is just not a good idea:) I understand your feelings and I am praying for you. I know it's not much of a consolation, but you can be sure that God is preparing something very tremendous for your family and one day you will look back and know that it was worth all of the waiting, struggling, frustration and tears. And your heart, pruned, plowed and prepared with be SO ready to receive the harvest. (I tell myself this all the time:) You are great! I'm praying!~ Cara B

Lena Just Lena said...

You are not a spiritual failure, dear friend, you are HUMAN. Why else would God have given us these words/verses? Because He knew we'd need them. Humans have always needed encouragement.

Praise God for your faith, and your 'real-ness'. I appreciate you a great deal and I will continue to pray for you.

I know you know this already-but I have learned that the most growth in my life has come from the dark times, the valleys, the waiting-because I've HAD to depend on God. I just re-read what you've written on your side bar about faith-and it's all True!

Praying.

L