Let's be honest here....the process to become
foster parents is exhausting! My husband Rodney and I started this process 9
months ago, and the last email from our licensing worker the day after Christmas
to check the status of our license was.... “still pending”.
Carbon monoxide detector – check.
Water well tested – check.
Home inspection – check.
3 home study visits – check.
But it is coming closer, and I can't help but
think “are we ready?” We have talked with our 3 girls about this and prayed for
the child that will come into our home and family. But it's easy to feel fear
begin to build in my heart, and the continuous list of “what ifs”.
But when we fear, we forget. We forget that God is
with us, in every part of our lives, guiding us, supporting us, sustaining us,
leading us down His chosen path. How can we have fear when we have the strength
of God behind us and His Holy Spirit within us?
The answer is, we can't.
We need to draw on the strength of God and recall
that He is in complete control.
When we give in to fear, we cease to think
clearly. We may even give up, overwhelmed by the momentous task before us.
Fear can cripple us from doing what we need to do.
The world needs us to be the salt and light.
I have been blessed by reading through the Jesus
Calling every day. I would like to share Day 4 with you as if this is Jesus
speaking to you:
“I want you to learn a new habit. Try saying,
“I trust You, Jesus” in response to whatever happens to you. If there is
time, think about who I am in all My Power and Glory; ponder also the depth and
breadth of My Love for you.
This simple practice will help you see Me in every
situation, acknowledging My sovereign control over the universe. When you view
events from this perspective-through the Light of My universal Presence – fear
loses its grip on you. Adverse circumstances become growth opportunities when
you affirm your trust in Me no matter what. You receive blessings gratefully,
realizing they flow directly from My hand of grace. Your continual assertion of
trusting Me will strengthen our relationship and keep you close to Me.”
“Behold, the Lord
God will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him:
behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. He shall feed his flock
like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his
bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.” Isaiah 40:10-11
And so by God's grace, I'm learning this new habit
in 2013, saying “I trust You, Jesus.” When I feel panic creeping in, step back
and envelop myself in the calm sense of confidence that comes from knowing that
God is in control.
---
Denise
Rodney & Denise have 3
daughters and after attending the Focus on the Family “Wait No More Conference”
their eyes were opened to the great needs in the foster care community. They are
so thankful to be a part of the TFI family - to share these needs with the body
of Christ and to play a role in making a difference for this
community.
Denise: as we waited for our 1st call, I finally after several months of waiting prayed"Your will, Your way". A week later we had our 1st placement, a bubble full of energy 2 yr old boy! Rachel
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