“As you look at over the twist and turns of your life, can you not see the glimpses of silent mercy, of quiet care? God’s presence and work in your life doesn’t come blasting at you like a television commercial. He doesn’t necessarily declare it, but allows you to discover it, for if you have to think and struggle over the matter, there is more likelihood that you will be led to truly intelligent worship.” Ralph Davis Commentary.
This quote was shared in my bible study yesterday on 1 Samuel 29. The idea of God’s silent mercies and His quiet care really stood out to me. It comforts me to think about all the ways He is at work, most of which I am totally unaware. God’s sovereignty comforts me greatly! To know He is at work, even so quietly, encourages me, especially when I can not see what He is doing.
This last year I have been watching my sister and brother-in-law wait on the the Lord to bring about their 4th child through adoption. This is their first adoption. It was a long journey to get to the place of assurance that adoption was what God was calling them to and then obedience to walk into it. The last 11 months they have been a waiting family. During this time they have seen my family go through a few failed adoptions and then the adoption of our 3rd child (2nd adoption). As my sister took great joy in her new nephew there is the wondering and frustration of why she is still a waiting family. I too have been confused by God’s timing for her family. I have dreamed up many situations that seemed to be perfect and yet God did not bring them to pass. It has not been easy to wait with them. But, I have been encourage to see them continue to seek the Lord and trust in Him even when His care in their adoption seems so quiet and His mercies, somedays, are silent. My sister has been a clinging to truths, like the ones David records in Psalm 25:4 &5 “Make me to know your ways, O Lord; Teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long.” And in Psalm 37:3 &4 ” Trust in the Lord, and do good: dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”
Adoption is no easy calling. The battle is not against flesh and blood but the evil one who does not want to see beauty come from ashes. The truth is that God is at work and He is writing a beautiful story of redemption. Adoption is one magnificent part of that story.
