October 16
Scripture: John 14:1
Source author: Margie Christenson
October 16
In Times of Trouble Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. —John 14:1
I hate you! Get out of my room.” I stumbled out as if I’d been punched in the gut. My husband and I had poured ourselves into this girl’s life. All we received in return? Violent threats and strings of obscenities. Five years earlier we’d met Heather through our state’s special needs program. Social workers warned that abused children had many problems, and we quickly found Heather was no exception. Separated from her birth mother at age four due to neglect and abuse, she’d lived in foster homes for nearly nine years. God gave us a love for her, and we welcomed her in our home as a foster child. Nine months later, she became our daughter through adoption. At times we bonded and loved each other. But often her anger and hatred spewed out in hurtful ways. During my quiet times, I cried out to God and learned to rely on His strength and wisdom. He revealed that the explosive outbursts and behaviors had nothing to do with us and everything to do with Heather’s past.
God often reminded me that I am His child and because I am loved, I could love Heather.
Because He pours His love into us, we can love others. — Margie Christenson —