We have a precious 11 year old in our life. She has been a gift from God to let us have the joy of helping someone who has not had a very good shot at life before now. She is being raised in the innercity housing by her grandmother, who is doing her best to protect her and encourage her life. She has tried twice in her young years to take her life because her mother's problems and the sinful acts of man have been more than she could take. Our enemy who roams around the earth looking for someone to devour has had his sights set on her. But God, who is rich in mercy, has brought her into the lives of His people through a teacher at her school, and her life will never be the same because of Him.
Children who grow up in a survival state don't learn at a normal pace. In some ways, our girl is like a two year old, in need of much affirmation, love, attention and training. She has a deep love for God and a great desire to know and please Him. She prays precious prayers of thanksgiving and confession as she sees things in herself that need to change. Her academic level is lacking, and we are working hard to catch her up for school this fall. Sometimes she simply shuts down because her laziness and fear of failure and low self esteem take over, and she thinks she cannot do third grade work when she is entering the sixth grade this fall. That has been an area where the Lord has shown me much and thankfully given me the wisdom to help her work through. God is an amazing teacher, and He often uses children to teach those who are willing to learn. I think that is because we are children who are not where He desires that we be yet, and He is the perfect, patient parent who has only love for us.
Isaiah 64:4 in the New Living Translation reads, "For since the world began, no ear has heard and no eye has seen a God like you, who works for those who wait for Him!" It is quoted in I Corinthians 2:9 as "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him."
I had to leave Jacques in her "slump" this morning and go about my business for the day to give her time to come around. As I showered and prayed for His leading for her, the Lord brought these scriptures to mind. Jacques has no idea that I have a friend wanting to take her to the beach for a week, and that we are waiting for her grandmother's answer to that request. She does not know I have friends who are praying about her being home schooled in the coming school year to really get her feet firmly under her academically, emotionally and spiritually. She has no idea how much I have in my heart to do for her, to show her, to help her in her growth. She doesn't know how I dream about her high school graduation or college or wedding day. The Lord has given me so many dreams for this precious one, and I look with delight as she grows into a mature, responsible young woman.
Then, of course, I thought of myself. Where am I still refusing to wait for God to change a situation in my life that I am "working on"? What does He have planned for my life that He wants to reveal to me? Do I believe His promises or not? Will I keep my eyes only on Him when things all around scream for attention that offer only a temporary joy?
I remembered recently about something I had "fly through my mind" a few months ago. We were doing our empty nest syndrome ritual of eating dinner and watching Fox News. I asked the Lord, "Is this what we have left to do with our daily lives, just watching TV together? I thought about children who need someone. Would that come our way? Was there something for us to do about a child?" There was indeed someone coming our way. My eyes had not seen her beautiful face, and my ears had not heard her laughter. But God...rich in His mercy....had a plan.
He has plans for you, too! Listen carefully to His loving voice. Stop and listen. He is calling!
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