FOSTER CARE: GO FIND ONE

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Back in 2016, our home grew from 3 children to 5 overnight (literally), and I worried about “maxing” out the number of children under our roof. But we can’t help any more children, God! We’re full now! What about all of the other children who need a home? 

The need is immense and our home so small in comparison that oftentimes it feels quite overwhelming. We can’t exactly handle more children right now, but so many more need help! It’s a helpless feeling, really. And the helplessness brings up feelings of uncertainty about our current path. My brain used to spin with questions: Are these children we are helping the right children? Do we keep our home available and wait for the more right ones? If we take these children, are we limiting the chances of getting any more children or different children?

But in the years since our family expanded, I have settled into a more content place that recognizes first: God is sovereign, and second: a difference in one life is difference enough.

I had to come to a place of trusting that these exact children are supposed to be with our exact family right now. Are there other children I wish that we could also help? Of course! Is our home closed to other placements at this time? Yes–so be it. Our path has been set before us, and I am content there. I can fully trust that each minute detail of our lives and the intersection of potential foster children is arranged sovereignly by God for His glory, our good, and the children’s good. No foster placement occurs outside of the realm of God’s sovereign control–of this I am sure.

Foster care is a unique mission. We’re not trying to open an orphanage for many or to start a mission impacting multitudes. Those strategies have their place, but foster care is subtle. And foster care for the Christian family is more subtle still. It’s almost like a secret infiltration. The plan: to bring one child into one family. The aim: to show Jesus’ love in daily life and consistent presence. One family at a time // one child at a time. The scope is hopefully large–many Christian families, many precious children–but in daily practice this mission often feels insignificant and unexciting. 

Recently I read the parable of the lost sheep where Jesus tells the story of a shepherd leaving ninety-nine sheep and going to find the one. Then Jesus told them this parable: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep'” (Luke 15:3-6).

Perhaps this story shows us how Jesus Himself–the Good Shepherd (John 10:11)–leaves many obedient sheep to seek after the wayward one, the lost one. He searches until He finds this sheep of great value. It’s really amazing how one lowly lamb warrants an all-out search. When the shepherd finds the sheep, He puts it so tenderly on His shoulders to rest those tired little legs, and then goes home to throw a party. “Celebrate with me!” This parable speaks to me beautifully of foster care & finding one. A difference in one life is difference enough, with the potential of bringing eternal security to one precious life (and, if you look into the years to come, possibly changing an entire family legacy).

The shepherd found the sheep–let us search diligently for One child.
The shepherd puts the sheep on his shoulders–let us care for One child tenderly.
The shepherd goes home–let us bring One child home.
The shepherd calls his friends to rejoice with him–let us celebrate over One found child.

Come with us, friends.
Don’t be paralyzed by the vast need.
Trust God’s sovereignty.
Go find one.