These 6 are each unique and pretty amazing.  Three of them are biological and three are adopted, (I know, it looks rather obvious), but each one of them has had to step out in faith over the last year in BIG ways.  They have each trusted us as their parents, gone to new schools, and even traveled from Uganda to live with us.  With newness comes uncertainty, a prime opportunity to build faith.  Faith isn’t something you see, it is something you trust, and these guys are learning to build their faith in major ways.  We are learning to be a family full of faith.

Faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. 

“And without faith it is impossible to please God.” Hebrews 11:6

When we moved from Oregon nine years ago, planted 217church in 2009, and adopted three children, our prayer was that our faith would increase and their faith would increase more.  The thing we have tried do as parents is instill a lifestyle of faith.   We have tried to set the example and be models, but little did we know, they have taught us just as much as we have taught them about faith.

Faith – Here is What My Kids Are Teaching Me

1.  It’s Ok, it’s Ok – (In the words of Godfrey)

Look, if you are going to trust, everything isn’t going to be perfect.  You will probably even have a little fear.  They have overcame so many fears in the last 4 months.  As long as we have each other, our faith can increase.  Trust going to be tested as they have even learned a new language, but they have taught me to just relax and trust.  Everything is going to be ok.

2.  Believe the Best – 

When you go to school, trust that it will be a good experience.  When you get stared at, it’s just because they don’t understand.  When you don’t know what food is in front of of you, give it a try, it won’t kill you.  When your parents tell you it will be fun, try and have as much fun as you can.  Take responsibility for your thoughts and it will affect your day in a positive way.

3.  You Only Need Enough For Today –

Today’s provision is enough.  Every time we sit down for a meal we thank God.  When someone asks excessive questions about food (it’s an adoption thing) or doesn’t think there will be enough, we remind them in the last 120 days together we haven’t missed a dinner yet.  That’s a 100% provision rate.  Believe for tomorrow but you just need to trust for today.  Tomorrow has enough worries of its own.

4.   Let Me Surprise You-

We have worked so hard to accomplish some things with our children.  Eventually progress happens.  Sometimes it takes a very long time, but progress doesn’t happen on our schedule it’s on God’s timeline.  Most of the time progress is unexpected.  All of the sudden, without warning, there it is.  A hug, a connection, an I love you, a result you have been hoping for, a challenge overcome. Sweet victory.

Josh

This Sunday at 217church our Fall kickoff New Series –  Extraordinary Faith “Faith & Tests.”  (The book of James)

Join us at 217church, a multi-site, contemporary church in Mercer County NJ.  217church is a family with small groups in New Jersey and Pennsylvania that meets Sundays in the Hamilton AMC24 Theater 10:00am and Sharon Elementary school in Robbinsville, NJ at 11:00.  Our new Robbinsville/East Windsor Campus meets every Sunday.  If you are looking for a church in East Windsor NJ, Lawrenceville NJ, Ewing NJ, Robbinsville NJ, Hightstown NJ, Hamilton NJ, Mercer County, Middlesex County or Bucks County, PA, we would love to have you join us.  Don’t miss our weekend services. Visit www.217church.com for more information. or watch a weekend message here