Our family suffered two miscarriages in 2011 and 2012. Many times in grief, well-meaning people say things that won’t resonate with you. After our miscarriages there were several people who suggested our family foster children. I remember my reply was, “that’s great for other people, but I believe that something like this needs to be put on your heart, and its not in my heart.”
In the days that followed I had a series of three dreams on three different nights. They all had a recurring theme; children. We were waiting in line to be interviewed. We were waiting in line to get children. A young child. A baby in a crib. Children.
You could say God laid on my heart to foster children, because that’s exactly what these dreams did. I knew He was showing me His path to take. And within a short amount of time we had contacted the foster system and had a pile of paperwork to complete.
Astonishingly we had the overwhelming pile of paperwork done in two short weeks – which is unheard of! Our Home Study wasn’t even remotely completed but the calls started coming!
As the calls came in my hubby wanted to say Yes to each one! But since I would be home with them during the day, I needed to prayerfully and realistically decide what I could be helpful and successful at.
A person may plan his own journey, but the Lord directs his steps.
Proverbs 16:9 GWT
Sometimes our plans don’t work out the way we originally thought. What did or didn’t happened can change our whole course in life. I planned to have another baby and ended up with two babies being born into heaven. My plans didn’t work out. And when fostering was suggested, I declined. But God had a different direction for me.
As it ended up we fostered three darling little girls and two teenage boys. And what a journey with God that was! I wouldn’t trade it!
Do you have plans that didn’t work out? Have you heard a different direction from God? Have you wondered if it was really from God or dismissed it?
I would encourage you to pray to God with an open heart. And know that whatever He calls you to, He will equip you in.
I am thankful we were able to give back and minister to families who were walking through a hard time in their need. Love is privilege and grace is a gift.
