Scripture References: Matthew 6:33; Galatians 4:7; 2 Corinthians 12:9
Intro: Sharing personal stories can be vulnerable, but the hope is that through one person's journey, the Holy Spirit illuminates truth for all. This story centers on the life-altering power of Matthew 6:33 – "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you" – especially when life feels broken or lacking.
Key Points:
- The Need Arises (Identity Struggle & Loss): Background of adoption, while deeply loved, led to identity struggles ("didn't belong"). A subsequent painful divorce intensified this, bringing loss, public shame, and a desire to hide. This created a place of deep need and desperation for God.
- The Anchor Found (Matt 6:33): In that dark place, Matthew 6:33 became the lifeline. Despite wanting to disappear, the conscious choice was made to seek God first, trusting He was truly all that was left and that He would restore and provide ("pull me out of the mire").
- Provision in Seeking: As God was sought first, "things were added." He brought friendship, support, and eventually marriage to Nathan, built on the foundation of seeking God together. This highlights God's faithfulness when He is prioritized.
- Waiting Tests Seeking: Years of infertility followed, bringing deep pain, questions, and the temptation to doubt God's goodness. Yet, the core commitment remained: seek Him first, even in the painful waiting, trusting His plan even when unexplained. Worship continued despite the ache.
- Redemption & Deeper Identity: God eventually brought children and redeemed the pain of adoption through a desire for international adoption. Crucially, He brought deep inner healing for the speaker's own adoption wounds through prayer, revealing her true identity wasn't defined by earthly origins or hurts, but by being adopted into His family, an heir in Christ (Gal 4:7). Her bloodline is in Jesus.
- Ongoing Seeking: Even now, facing struggles like shame or fear requires the same principle: seek Him first. Stop striving, controlling, or hiding. Turn toward Him, love Him, be loved by Him, trust His grace is sufficient (2 Cor 12:9), and He adds what is needed.
Conclusion: Life inevitably brings storms, waiting, and challenges that expose our weaknesses. Matthew 6:33 isn't a formula but a foundational posture: when we prioritize seeking God and His kingdom above our circumstances, fears, or even legitimate desires, He faithfully meets us, heals us, provides for us, and reveals our true identity in Him. The "added things" often look different than expected but are always rooted in His goodness.
Call to Action: Identify where you are striving, waiting, or feeling lost/ashamed. Make a conscious choice today to seek God first in that situation. Lay down your own scripts and striving. Trust His character and promises even when things are unclear. Turn to Him, love Him, be loved, and watch as He faithfully adds "all these things" according to His wisdom and grace.
*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI.
Please notify us if you find any errors.