Faith, Fear, and Fostering: Answering the Call to FosterSample

THE UPRISING OF FEAR AND NAYSAYERS

You’ve prayed and sought God about His will for you regarding adoption or fostering. You feel you’ve heard His answer, and it’s a resounding yes. That’s wonderful!

But as the excitement settles, doubts start to creep in. You begin asking yourself questions like:

• What if it’s hard to foster a child and then give them up?
• What if I never get called to take in a child?
• What if there aren’t classes offered in my area?
• What if I adopt a child and it’s a mistake?

The questions, anxiety, and desire for certainty creeps into your being.

Then you share your dream with others, only to be met with doubt or fear:

• “Oh no, I could never do that.”
• “What if the child has severe behavioral issues?”
• “I’d only take a baby; I couldn’t handle an older child.”

These comments begin to pile up. Before long, you may start questioning what you know God has spoken to your heart.

Here’s the truth: there will always be what ifs. Children come from many different backgrounds, and sometimes you won’t fully understand their experiences until they’ve been in your home for a while. There’s a chance you may foster a child and then watch them leave for another placement. I’ve been there and it was incredibly painful. However, God didn't leave me in that place.

Every calling carries a sacrifice

Don’t let fear, yours or anyone else’s, dictate your decision. Even Jesus faced pushback. When He revealed His calling to die on the cross, some of His own disciples resisted, saying, “Never, Lord!” (Matthew 16:22 NIV). Yet Jesus moved forward because He knew His purpose.

Others may not understand. Some may even think you’re crazy. That’s okay. You aren’t called to please people; you are called to please God.

Trust what God has revealed to you. No matter what happens in the journey, He will be with you, preparing and equipping you each step of the way. Lean into His reassurance, and let His voice be louder than your fears and others.