‘God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! Interlude A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High. God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed. From the very break of day, God will protect it. The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble! God’s voice thunders, and the earth melts! The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Interlude Come, see the glorious works of the Lord : See how he brings destruction upon the world. He causes wars to end throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and snaps the spear; he burns the shields with fire. “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Interlude’ Psalms 46:1-11(NLT)
by Karolyn Dicken
In this broken and messy world, God knew.
God knew that we’d be raising these stepkids, our “bonus children,” and prepared us to be able to invest in their lives. Whether it’s for a season while you’re fostering, the rollercoaster amidst the pursuit of adoption, or the back-and-forth of a blended family, God knows.
When I was engaged to be married, I was admittedly even more excited about the idea of becoming a stepmom than a wife. Being a teacher with a background in Special Education, I understood children. I really thought I could parent better than I could “wife.”
As life would have it, parenting my ‘bonus’ son has proven to be the most rewarding, humbling, and difficult challenges I’ve ever been a part of. But, God knows. He knows that my attempts to parent my son well, keeps me in pursuit of Him—the only source of constant peace amongst the chaos, confusion, and mess.
God knows—He knows my desire to be a kind and gentle mother to him and our two other children. God knows how desperately I fail time and time again. And, yet, there He is. Waiting. Encouraging. Leading. Guiding. Forgiving. Restoring.
In my attempts to do more, I’m often reminded of Psalm 46:10a, “Be still, and know that I am God.” God is our help and will give us the grace, wisdom, and knowledge to pour into these children in this season—whether that’s days, months, or years.
Sometimes, though, it might just be that we need to be still and trust that He is God so that He can continue to work on their—and our—behalf. Friend, rest in the Lord and His great love for you and your family today. You can trust Him to take care of you and work in ways you never thought possible. God is faithful and will help you.
QUESTION TO PONDER In what areas do you need to be still and allow the Lord to work on your behalf?
WHAT’S NEXT Call a friend and pray together over a situation where you’re having a hard time trusting the Lord. If she doesn’t answer, go to your journal and write it all out!
from Encouragement For Bonus Moms