Paperwork prayers and a Lenten devotion

Yesterday we heard some news . . . not big news, but news.  Paperwork from the Ethiopian Zone "M^" is from has been processed.  Now, as far as we know there is one piece of paperwork left in Ethiopia before our adoption process can proceed:  a signed letter from her region.  That's all.

So here is my specific prayer, would you pray with me?

Dear God, almighty, everlasting.  

Please work in the heart of the government official who looks at the pile of adoption paperwork on their desk.  Please move in their heart to write the necessary letters so that the adoption cases for those children stuck in orphanages can proceed further.  God of mercy, please be with "M^" as she continues to suffer with the symptoms of her unknown medical issues.  

Grant her peace and comfort in this time.  Be with her as she waits.  Be with us as we wait.  

In Jesus' holy and gracious name we pray.  

Amen.

Thanks for your prayers!

Here’s basically what is still to come for "M^"s adoption . . .

• Receive the final portion of "M^"s paperwork
• I-600 (USCIS paperwork) 
• USCIS sends docs to embassy in ET
• Embassy approves case
• USCIS sends PAIR letter
• CCI submits case to court
• We get our court date
• Travel for court and embassy for "M^" to bring her home!!! 

And now folks, a Lenten devotion . . .

"Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?" (Matthew 11:2)

People were asking this of Jesus.  They doubted . . . and that's okay!  So many people have doubts about their faith, about God, about their purpose here on earth.  The sad thing is that there are so many people that feel guilty for the doubt they experience.  It's okay to doubt.  I see doubt as people asking questions.  I worry more about the people who blindly follow religion and never ask questions.  They merely follow the religion that was laid before them by their parents or church leaders.  Never asking questions, never doubting, means that they are not thinking about what they believe in.  Doubting is okay . . . as long as in your doubt you seek answers.