My family began the fostering journey nearly three years ago. We said “yes” to a sibling set of two that stayed in our home for over two years before returning to their biological mother.
Taking in children from hard places is not easy; in fact, it is a sacrifice that, some days, feels impossible. But through this, our family has come face-to-face with the grace and promises of God. He has given us everything that we need through Jesus Christ to overcome these challenges.
- “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8)
The Bible says that He will give us all that we need and that no good work is greater than the God we serve. We don’t ever want to set the example with our actions that we don’t really believe those words. As we choose to take on the hard and follow God’s will, God gets the glory.
- “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
I have read – and reread – Hebrews 11and about the faith of many who trusted in and lived by the glory of God through their obedience and their trust that the Lord would make up for any deficiency on their part, true testimony to the words of this verse. As they took on tasks that were insurmountable, other people were able to see the evidence of a faithful God. This is the desire of our family.
- “If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4:11)
We have been commanded to step out in faith in an effort to share the Gospel. There are plenty of hard days and sacrifice, but in those moments, we invite God in to pour out His grace and love on us so that He may be glorified through the strength that He provides. - “Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (Hebrews 13:20-21)
We know that there will be times where we are empty with nothing to give, but we are able to sit at the feet of Jesus and taste the bread and water that gives us life. Our family can be filled by the one true source until we are overflowing once again and ready to spread the joy of His everlasting love to those around us. And in the midst of our dependency on Him for the things that we cannot do alone, we get to experience intimacy and grace beyond all compare.
Not everyone is called to foster, and not everyone who fosters is able to take in siblings, but I pray that more families will trust in His power to equip them with everything they need to do His will as the seek how they may serve the more than 400,000 foster children on any given day in this country. Consider fostering, providing respite care, starting a foster care ministry or volunteering to serve foster children and families today. You truly will experience God’s grace in a unique way!
