It was dark and turning cooler. Then lightning and thunder started. Later, fierce wind and rolling thunder woke us up from deep sleep, as we listened to the storm unleash its fury. The darkness of midnight made the storm feel stronger.

A lot of moments in adoption were just like this storm, with times when we felt totally out of control (and were). We watched as our children made some poor choices and rebelled, and wondered when and how the storm would end. No decisions on our part seemed to come easily, leaving us to want to run and take cover until the storm passed us by. We came to recognize these times as “midnight” in our journey, with the expectation that morning daylight would come later.

It is easy to forget that things look darkest right before dawn. We sometimes found ourselves caught up in our fears about our children and their futures, as well as about us as parents. We had envisioned a future for them when we adopted, a path that they seemed determined to jettison as teenagers. Many adoptive parents have struggled with bewildering choices that their child has made. Even Jesus’ disciples lost hope in Him at His crucifixion, refusing to believe the possibility of the impossible—the resurrection.

Our “storms” caused us to recognize our inability to parent our children in our own strength, and forced us to get down on our knees and plead with our Heavenly Father to intervene. Ultimately, He did, for which we praise His name. We are grateful for friends who stuck by us during these stressful times, encouraging us and praying for us. Our “dawn” came when our children matured to the point where they wanted to do what was right because they knew what right was. Through everything, it was our faith in God’s plan that carried us through.

If you find yourself in the middle of a storm at midnight, take courage. The battle is not over yet. If you have survived a storm and made your way to the dawn, be encouraged as well. Reliance on God, as well as perseverance in prayer make all the difference. Please feel free to share your own personal story in the comment box below.