Many of you were touched by my friend Cecil Stokes’s guest blog about adopting four boys which we featured right before Father’s Day. While he wasn’t able to get his boys by that holiday, he is learning a lot about God’s perfect timing. Here’s an update from Cecil with some great insights. Enjoy and be blessed! –Michelle
Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. (Proverbs 19:21).
Father’s Day came and went and my sons are not with me yet. Delayed paperwork and the holidays have slowed the process, and it has gotten to me a little. My faith and trust in God is strong, and He has been oh so generous. But when I’m tired or hungry or both, I get a little frustrated with the situation–then I am reminded of these things: Man told me I would most likely have my first son by Father’s Day, God did not.
God said I will have sons.
But as I run toward my destiny, I sometimes allow the line between what God says and what man says to blur, and I have to remind myself they are two very different things. Thankfully, I serve a merciful, loving God who helps me along the way.
About a month ago, I was driving home from a graduation party for one of the boys I mentor. His party had been so amazing and his parents so loving, that I became momentarily distracted.
His dad had told these incredible stories about his son growing up from his first year to now. I began to realize that there are some stories I won’t be able to share about my sons because our road together will start a little later.
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As I drove that night, I asked God to play a song for me on the radio for reassurance. This prayer does not always get answered specifically, but it did that night. I turned on the radio and the song “This Is Amazing Grace” by Phil Wickham was playing.
I had never heard the song before, but the first line I tuned into was:
Who brings our chaos back in order
Who makes the orphan a son and daughter
The King of Glory, the King of Glory.
I needed nothing more than this to be reminded of God’s plan for my life and to know that what He has planned for me and my children is nothing short of perfect. What beautiful peace.
Then, weeks later, as Father’s Day came and went, the thoughts of man crept into my soul. God brought this song back to mind, and peace was restored. He is so gracious with His reminders.
Now a few more weeks have passed, frustration rears its ugly head again, and I ask God for peace. Sometimes He makes me laugh with His creativity. When I asked for a reminder of His plan, He opened the jukebox in my mind and played “You Can’t Hurry Love” by The Supremes.
I got the message, and I laughed with joy. He is in control of all, and it’s not my job to worry. Give all your fears and worries to Him because they are not ours to carry.
