How to Have Faith in God During Hard Times

Adoption is a step of faith. In our journey from childhood to adolescence to adulthood, we encounter difficulties that reshape us every day. As we face each obstacle, we begin to truly understand God’s love for us. Most people considering becoming adoptive parents face challenges during the adoption process that can only be overcome through a strong belief in their faith in God. Learning how to have faith in God during hard times is essential to surviving the adoption journey with peace and purpose.

The adoption process can be long and arduous—almost the same as waiting nine months for a baby to be born! Understanding that this is a natural waiting period can help you approach the journey with realistic expectations and sustained faith.

Faith Grows Through Trials

The Bible teaches us that through trials and tribulations, our faith grows. We understand that without such turmoil, we would not realize our need for God.

The example of Job illustrates this powerfully. Job suffered enormous losses—his possessions, influence, status, health, and all his children and servants—yet he remained faithful to God. Though he became frustrated and even cursed the day he was born, he still clung to God. Job’s unwavering faith and trust in God is a model we should emulate during our own difficult seasons. God does not promise us a problem-free life, but He promises never to leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).

God’s Purpose in Disappointment

Disappointments are part of everyday life, and God uses them to develop His plan for us as Christians. The adoption process contains disappointments along the way. God never promised us that life would be perfect, but He did promise that He would always be with us. This promise alone should provide us with inner peace and strength when we face hardships. As Christians, we depend on Him to be with us through all our ups and downs.

Perhaps the baby you have been eagerly awaiting is adopted into another family, or the mother decides to parent her child. How should you respond to this disappointment? Understanding how to have faith in God during hard times means:

• Accept what you cannot change.
• Believe God has a purpose in it.
• Pray for direction and understanding.
• Rejoice in knowing God’s plan will succeed in the end.

God’s Perfect Plan Unfolds

When you realize that God’s plan for you is perfect, you can see the true purpose of your life. The obstacles you face become less troubling, and your life unfolds according to His plan and His timetable. You can take comfort in each passing day, understanding that time brings you closer to the realization of your dream to be an adoptive parent. The right child is arriving just for you because God is working on your behalf.

God’s Nature Is Already Within You

Here’s a truth that can transform your adoption journey: everything you need is already inside you. When you accept Christ into your life, you become full of God’s nature. God is your spiritual Father and has planted the seed of His nature—His DNA—within your spirit.

You don’t need to struggle or strain to get things from God, like peace, joy, or wisdom during your adoption wait. Instead, you need to learn to cooperate with Him and allow what He’s already deposited in your spirit to become a reality in your life.

The Fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, self-control, and more—is already in you. Just as a seed in the ground needs water and sunlight to grow, you need the water of God’s Word and the light of His presence on a regular basis to mature in Christ and see these fruits become visible in your life. As you yield to God and receive His grace for the situations you face, you begin to grow and look more like Him.

Believing Is Seeing

Here’s a principle that can revolutionize your faith during the adoption wait: the law of faith works in the opposite way the world works. Most people believe they have something only when they see it. But God says we must believe first, and then we will see it. Until you bring your baby home, it can be difficult to envision. But have faith that you will be chosen by a birth mother to parent her baby!

Instead of thinking and saying negative words of discouragement, despair, and defeat during your adoption wait, try thinking and saying positive declarations like:

• “The power of God is in me.”
• “I am peaceful and patient.”
• “Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world.”
• “I can do whatever I need to through Christ who strengthens me.”
• “I have love and patience. They’re in me, and I’m going to cooperate with the Holy Spirit and believe until I see it become a reality.”

When you water what’s in your spirit with the Word of God, it grows and gets rooted deeper in your soul. So keep watering God’s seed with His Word. Keep going through the growth process, yielding to God as He deals with you and refusing to give up. As the roots of His truth go deeper and deeper in your soul, the fruit of His nature will grow up and become more and more evident.

Finding the Right Support

Many people who pursue adoption understand that they will have obstacles to overcome from the early stages of the process. God will give you discernment to help you find just the right adoption professional who will follow His principles. They will join you in your faith journey and help you succeed.

Having a Christian adoption professional with a proven track record will help you have faith in God during hard times, providing support and spiritual guidance as you move closer to your child through the adoption process.

The Power of Prayer

Prayer is a key factor in the relationship between God and man. Dedicated prayer time will help you feel comfort, peace, and victory. In your prayer time, you can voice your disappointment and frustration to the Lord. And, you will give Him praise and thanksgiving for every advance you make in your adoption journey.

“Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you.” (James 4:8 NLT) God’s Word promises that He will never leave or forsake us as we seek Him.

God’s Word as Your Strength

The Word of God is our most powerful resource, building our faith and trust in God’s desire and ability to break the power of sadness, depression, and defeat. In our moments of despair, we learn to call upon Him and trust Him.

“The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1 NIV)

You have nothing to fear during the adoption process, and you should never allow fear to overrule you.

How to Have Faith in God During Hard Times

Every day, walk in faith and believe! Place all of your frustrations in the Lord’s hands. Let Him replace your disappointment with joy. Know that He hears your cries and trust Him to help you be all He intends you to be – the perfect parents for the child He is bringing into your life.