Last Friday we were able to witness the adoption of 3 of our former foster children into a loving, forever home. It was an amazing moment to watch the parents commit themselves to love, nurture, and provide for K, P, and J.
We remember the day these children moved from our home to an "adoptive" home. It was a hard day. Hard because when they were in our home we felt that we had more control on their story and outcome. If we let them go what was going to happen to them? We didn't feel that God was calling us to adopt these children, but to verbalize that meant they needed to move on to a family who was considering adoption. Yes, we knew we needed to trust that God was in control of the kids' story, but even though we knew that truth to be so giving up that control was not easy.
A few weeks ago the adoptive mom called us up and invited us to come to the adoption finalization ceremony. We were instantly filled with joy and thankfulness to be asked to be a part of that special day. We were also amazed at God's faithfulness in these kids lives. Not only do they now have a forever dad and mom, but a dad and mom who love Jesus and will, undoubtedly, raise them in the fear and nurture of the Lord.
I write this post as an Ebenezer for us to look back on. I want us to remember that God is working, moving, accomplishing HIS plan and we GET to be involved!
Proverbs 19:21 "Many are the plans in the mind of man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand."
The truth is that fostering these 3 children was not easy. In fact, it was the hardest year of our lives. We were the furthest thing from being perfect foster parents to these children, but because God is faithful, He sustained us and gave us grace moment by moment by moment. Knowing and witnessing the outcome of these kids' story has welled up in us a new energy and desire to step out in faith and be a part of what God is doing in the lives of vulnerable children.
There is a HUGE need for families to open themselves up to fostering or adopting. Have you ever considered fostering? Adopting? Supporting a family that is?
TRUTH: When you get involved in the lives of vulnerable children, you are opening up your life to trials.
BIGGER TRUTH: You are also opening up your life to joys unimaginable. You will get to see God work in ways that are extraordinary. Your faith, trust, and hope in God's faithfulness will grow. You will learn to surrender dependence upon anything else to dependence on God.
Romans 11:33-36 "Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgements and how inscrutable his ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor? or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?" For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen."
What a joy! Such great news.
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