Faith is deliberate confidence in the character of God whose ways you may not understand at the time ~Oswald Chambers

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Lily and Jesus...the rest of the story

Over the past few days, I've started, quit, and then restarted posts about Lily's journey with Jesus.

I'd love to sit and write down everything I've seen Him do since bringing her home, but the words just don't come easily and the time to sit and think just isn't there.

But I do want to share the highlights.

Since our first conversation with her a few weeks back she has been completely captivated by Him.

We've read story after story after story of His miracles.
We've talked about how only He can heal the hurts that she carries in her heart.
And we've prayed that she would come understand just how much He loves her and what He's accomplished for her on the cross.

Though our conversations were daily and her English was growing by leaps and bounds, I still wondered how much of the gospel she was actually able to understand.

Until in a moment of pure brilliance, my husband asked,  "I wonder if they make a JESUS film in Mandarin?"

Ahhh...
I didn't know the answer but I did know how to find out.
I emailed a friend who knew a thing or two about that movie and discovered that they did indeed make a version in Mandarin!  (Thanks Janna!)

So we ordered it and we watched it together, listening in Mandarin while reading English subtitles.

She "ooohed" at some of the scenes while uttering an occasional "wow"  at the miracles and "that's cool"  when He appeared to His disciples after the resurrection.
(My personal favorite was when she said that Jesus had nice teeth.)


And that night when tucking her into bed, instead of Lily asking for Scott and I to pray, like she normally does, for the first time she said she wanted to pray...

"What do you want to tell Him?"  I asked her.

(Are you ready for this?)

"That I love Him,"  she said.

And I knew she meant it.

She's been home with us for less than 2 months so I don't even have a "before" to contrast with an "after" but honestly, she's a different child than the one we first met.  Her countenance, her spirit, it's just different.

And we are amazed.

It's been a few nights since that all took place but even tonight when we put her to bed, once again, she said she wanted to pray.

Unsolicited, unprompted, completely on her own, the little girl who 2 months ago had never heard the name of Jesus prayed, "Thank You, Jesus,  for coming into my heart."

16 comments:

  1. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful Jesus...I'm sure that He's enjoyin' that little girl of yours. What precious prayers from such a precious girl.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Such a sweet story. Our sweet Lia also loves Jesus and LOVES to pray and tells how He healed her heart after such a short time home. What a joy to know they understand His love and what a precious faith they have!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh, my, Angela! You made me cry again!
    That is so precious!
    I love this girl and her heart.
    Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful story. I love reading about your Lily and am so moved by the stories of her faith and love for Jesus.
    Blessings,
    Rebekah

    ReplyDelete
  5. Do you wonder if she is just doing and saying that because she realizes how much you love Jesus? Maybe she wants to feel closer to you and more like a part of the family by saying she wants to pray and etc.
    Just a thought!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Wonderful post thank you! I couldn't find a place on your blog to contact you so i'm doing this on you comments section.
    We are adopting our son from longgang and I was looking over some pictures we have of our son and I recognized you daughter in several pictures. I would be happy to email them to you if you would like. my email is marcusg17@msn.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. Awesome!! What a great encouragement to everyone. We miss you.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Wow, just Wow! God is amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I'm just going to stop reading your blog, because I can't get through it anymore without crying. I'm so excited for all of you! We love and miss you!

    ReplyDelete
  10. PS. We found it online, and showed Jenna the first part. She watched intently, probably also glad to hear some Mandarin. When Jesus raised the little girl, Jenna said, "Oh. Tissue. Yucky nose." So...she apparently is paying attention on some level...:)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi Angela, I have been following your blog for a little while now and wanted to say, "Hi"! I also wanted to say that at first I just started following for pure enjoyment (or so I thought), but I think God may have had a greater purpose.

    We have recently decided to go back to China to get an older child. I thought maybe I could ask you a few questions. Would you mind? Here is my email: lokeyfam@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. You need a disclaimer on this for us more emotional mama's that cry for joy over such news! Seriously, I'm sniffling right now because I am so thrilled for your Lily! Dancing dancing dancing going on in Heaven! Ok, now off to find a tissue! ~Thank you Lord!~

    ReplyDelete
  13. Chills! Smiles. Praising God with you!!!
    And I just love that she commented Jesus has nice teeth...

    ReplyDelete
  14. I can't believe I made your blog!! :)

    This was such a joy to read. You guys are such an encouragement to our family!

    Love, the Hanovers

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hi Sweetie, What a beautiful story. To God be the Glory. I can't wait to be with you all again. I am so thankful for each one of you and to our Lord and Savior for all He is doing in each one of our lives. Love to all, Mom

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.