Anytime you're praying about something God may be calling you to do, the enemy will throw his lies in your head to keep you from God's will. Trust me. If it doesn't happen before the home study, you will definitely be tested during it.
Here are some of the lies to prepare for:
You can't even be a good parent to your biological children, how can you be a good parent to an adopted one?
It's too expensive.
You are not organized enough for all the paperwork.
You're too old.
You're not physically fit enough to run after another child!
You're not mentally stable enough to handle the instabilities of a formerly institutionalized child.
You're not spiritually strong enough to deal with the struggles of adopting.
There are plenty of other Christians that can take care of the orphans.
You already have too much on your plate to start that long road.
Life will never look the same.
What if my adopted child doesn't love me?
What if I don't love my adopted child?
Therefore put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Ephesians 6:13
My husband once said in a sermon, "If you listen to the 'what ifs' of the enemy, you'll never be ready for the 'what could be's God promises in His Word."
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. Ephesians 6:18
My friend, Lauren, who adopted from Uganda earlier this year, says "In our journey, I had days where I scheduled time to be alone and just literally lay on my face before Him crying out. It was good for my relationship with the Lord and for building my faith. A lot of times it started with 'I know you're bigger than this and you will provide, but help my unbelief.'"
Not everyone is called to adopt, but I believe every Christ-follower is called to do something based on James 1:27. If you are praying about adopting, don't be afraid to ask for prayer. Find others who've walked this road and are still standing firm after the battle. Read every book you can find, but especially equip your thought life with God's only offensive weapon, His Word, and be ready to use it!
