Monday, April 21, 2008

God Works through Trouble

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all(Psalm 34:19, nasb).

It seems as if Satan releases all of his demons against the needy children of the world. Orphans and the poor are the ones who really suffer in wars, storms, revolutions, and political turmoil.

Some ministries to children seem to have sufficient funds, but most are very underfunded. In Africa there are 13 million orphans from AIDS alone and143 million orphans, and there are worldwide 160 million street children. God’s people seeking to minister to these needy children face extreme difficulties and many afflictions!

My wife and I faced many problems in legally adopting our two children, Robby and Julie, in the Philippines. On one occasion when all looked hopeless, we were in the office of our city mayor, who had to sign a key paper to move the adoption papers along. The mayor was drunk (it seemed as if he was always drinking); I naturally thought we would have to return and try another day. However, an aide of the mayor took our papers and quietly asked the mayor to sign them. He did! I do not thank God for beer or liquor, but I do praise the Lord God Almighty for even using drunk men for His glory!

The two children we adopted were five years old and almost three. They are now in their thirties with families serving the Lord Jesus in ministry. Robby serves in the Philippines!

Yes, many are the afflictions of the righteous, but remember, God delivers you from them all. If not here on earth, but in glory in heaven!

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