Written by Shawn and Elisabeth Morris
Elisabeth and I always thought that life would be normal and average for us. When we married in 2009, our goals were ordinary: buy a home, have children, and live happily ever after. But God’s ways are so much higher than our ways. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:9 Before long, we would find that God had different plans for us.
We desired to start a family but were unable to have children and feared that something might be wrong medically. We prayed and asked God to help, but after a long wait, we talked with our pastor and felt we needed to find out what was wrong. However, doctors told us it was not impossible for us to have children. This was puzzling. It seemed as if God simply was not allowing us to begin our family. We went back to our pastor and his wife for more counsel and advice. It was during this counseling session that we all agreed that we should look into foster adoption.
After some disappointing experiences with a few agencies, we finally found one to work with that fit our values. This began our second waiting process. After several months, we were again wondering if it really was God’s will for us to adopt. Why the long wait? “He hath made every thing beautiful in his time” Ecclesiastes 3:11.
During this time of waiting, we received several calls about children and even had some stay with us for a while, but nothing was working out permanently. Finally, we got the call about three little girls needing an immediate home. We were told that they would only be staying with us for a short time, but felt it was God’s will for us to take them anyway.
As is the case with nearly all foster kids, they came from a bad situation. Disturbingly though, the judge said that they would return to this situation as soon as possible! We knew this was a terrible decision and immediately went to prayer. What a comfort and strength there is in prayer, in knowing that our whole congregation was fasting and praying with us as well. This was such a source of comfort and peace.
It was during this time that Elisabeth and I felt very strongly that God was going to work a miracle and give us these three beautiful little girls to be our own. God did not work one miracle, but several. The previous judge was removed from the case and replaced by one that cared (we were told this rarely happens). Several lawyers were also removed and replaced (also a rarity). God worked out numerous other impossibilities as well. When God wants something done, nothing can stand in His way.
Finally, three years later, the day came when we actually adopted our girls! It was a very happy day indeed! Not just because we had received our heart’s desire, but most of all because there is a special joy in remaining in the will of God.
Five years had passed between pursuing adoption and the judge’s ultimate decision. But God had already decided long before the judge had. He demonstrated His love and power on our behalf and for that we remain forever grateful.
Looking back, it is a wonderful and fulfilling feeling to know that our three girls have much better lives now, and most importantly, the opportunity to serve God.
