We were notified by our agency that no EPs would be processed in July. There was a lengthy, drawn-out explanation that I do not wish to recount and my opinion on the explanation isn't something I'm going to share, nor would it be beneficial for anyone who reads my blog, so I have kept it hidden amongst the pages of my personal journal. When I contemplate this entire situation, which is entirely political, I tend to react…but these decisions, made by powerful people in a foreign country, directly impact many people and when I bring this information to a personal level; something I dread to do, I become very sad. I have a beautiful little girl in Korea, a little girl I love, for whom I've bought clothes, prayed for, created a room for, bought furniture for, and simply adore. She is beautiful, perfect…and yet she is no closer to coming home today than she was in June. She won't be any closer till next year…maybe. She is languishing and I'm sad.
During my devotions I always pray a random Psalm. I have no schedule I just browse the Psalms until I find one that speaks to my heart. It's random, but I find God always uses the ones I pray. I also I find this aligns my prayers and heart with God's so my prayers aren't selfish and misguided…well it helps. Anyway, this morning I was browsing, and I came upon Psalm 136. Here is a small excerpt:
1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.
4 to him who alone does great wonders,
His love endures forever.
5 who by his understanding made the heavens,
His love endures forever.
6 who spread out the earth upon the waters,
His love endures forever.
7 who made the great lights—
His love endures forever.
8 the sun to govern the day,
His love endures forever.
9 the moon and stars to govern the night;
His love endures forever.
I almost didn't pray it because I it said, "His love endures forever," way too much; it says it 26 times! (I realize as I write this that is a very stupid reason...but it was very early!) But I did pray it and as I prayed, I was reminded, comforted, and strengthened by the fact that God's love does endure forever. If you read this Psalm it kind of odd really; Look at what I mean:
Verse 10: To him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt
His love endures forever
Verse 17: Who struck down great Kings
His love endures forever
Verse 18: and killed mighty kings
His love endures forever
I find this odd because I don't think about God's love when He kills kings, or when I read about the firstborn children in Egypt being killed. But then I thought, God did this to protect his children, to ensure they could fulfill the plan he had for them,(I'm sure there are other reasons, but I'm not chasing that rabbit trail this morning) and in that light I can see God's love. I don't see God's love right now in this situation, but I know His love endures forever. I know this because God reminded me of this 26 times this morning - in every verse I read.
Give thanks to the Lord for He is good.
His love endures forever.
I'm so sorry, I was praying that you guys wouldn't get caught up in the EP quota. :( That is very sad!
ReplyDeleteI pray this isn't true... our EP was submitted in early May and we have been told now to expect approval in late July. We are using Holt but a different agency here in the states.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry. It sounds like the EP thing is suddenly being done across the board (SWS, Holt, Eastern all having the same hang ups). Hugs and prayers. His love endures forever!
ReplyDeleteI needed that devotion. I'm struggling a lot at times and I appreciate what you share. Hugs!