...and God said it would be.
In fact, raising children and parenting in general is spiritual warfare.
The Bible tells us so.
"Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth."
Psalm 127:4
Make no mistake about it, there is a real enemy who prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour,
and he does not like adoption. He does not like fatherless children landing in loving, God-honoring homes.
And he is bound and determined to discourage all involved.
"Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."
1 Peter 5:8
So this is where we cling to the promises given.
This is when we take captive our thoughts, focus on the good, and pray to the One who is really in charge. This is when we don the armor of God with rightful authority, and the peace of God follows in victorious triumph over our defeated foe.
"Be strong and courageous.
Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you.
He will not leave you or forsake you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6
"Submit yourselves therefore to God.
Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
James 4:7
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
Philippians 4:6-8
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance."
Ephesians 6:10-18
So, when tempted to despair the spiritual attacks that will come with adoption and raising arrows of warfare for God,
we must remember the promises given in Scripture.
We must remember who is really in control.
We must remember why we are doing what we are doing.
And we must remain alert, watchful, and faithfully reliant upon God,
knowing full well that the battle belongs to the Lord.
"The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD."
Proverbs 21:31
Thank you, Lord, for your promises. Thank you that we can trust you for all things. Thank you for loving us and keeping us in the shelter of your wing. Thank you for victory over the defeated evil one. Thank you for training us in battle and leading us in conquering procession when adoption brings with it spiritual warfare. Thank you for your perfect peace.
"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you."
Isaiah 26:3
