This feels like a good week to give a personal update to those who are interested.

First, a quick summary of the adventure that started six months ago.

God revealed to Rachel and me that it was time to think about starting a family. The way he wants us to start a family is by adopting children. So we started the process of getting approved to adopt a child (or sibling group) from the state of Indiana.

In the meantime, I quit my job of over five years and started Nomad Church Collective – a ministry seeking to make disciples of Jesus by taking the gospel to the margins of society. You can learn more about it here.

This journey has been a real faith-tester. For the first time in a long time, Rachel and I have no choice but to trust God to provide what we need to accomplish what he’s asked us to do. We’re learning that he often gives us exactly what we pray for, which is a blessing. But there are other times when, instead of giving us what we want, God changes our hearts to be content with what he’s already given.

For example, we decided we needed a bigger house to accommodate children. We’ve prayed about this for a while. Recently I contacted our bank and asked about taking out a new home loan.

Turns out, getting a home loan and being newly self-employed aren’t compatible.

For a few days, we were down in the dumps about this.

Then God sparked something in our hearts and, before we knew it, we were sketching out ways to fit our family into our 900 sq. ft. house. It’s amazing how this dilemma helped Rachel and me grow as a couple. Problem solving is good for a marriage, and I have a hunch it will also be good for family life.

After finishing several classes and filling out a stack of paperwork, we had our first home-study visit last week. It went well and we’re all the more excited to move forward with the process. There are a couple more home visits to go before our home-study is presented before the state to determine whether or not we’ll be recommended for adoption.

I must say – quitting my job, starting a ministry, running Rachel’s small business, walking through the adoption process – it’s difficult.

But we’re growing a lot, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Jesus says, “Therefore do not be anxious, saying ‘what shall we eat?’ or ‘what shall we drink?’ or ‘what shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:31-33, ESV)

Jesus is telling the truth.

That doesn’t mean we suddenly have the ability to switch off our anxiety.

But, despite my anxiety, I’ve never felt like I’m seeking the kingdom more than I do now. And that thought, or even the hope of that thought, is enough to help my anxiety subside, even if just a little bit.

If God is asking you to seek the kingdom in a specific way, take it from me, he means what he says and he will provide. But be prepared, that provision will probably include some heart change.

Thank you for reading, and thank you for your prayers.