Followers of Jesus Christ want to know and to do His will. We struggled with this both before and after our adoption. Were we really able to carry out the mission of rearing our adopted sons?

Many times, we wrestle with knowing what to do next because we are not drawing close to the Lord Jesus (Proverbs 3:5-6). 2 Timothy 1:7 says, “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” One way to picture this is imagining fear, faith, and foolishness on a spectrum:

FEAR ——————— FAITH ——————— FOOLISHNESS

My natural reaction when confronted with the unknown is fear. Yet God reminds us that the only kind of fear that I am supposed to have is a reverential fear of Him. Otherwise, He instructs us not to be afraid (Isaiah 41:10; Luke 12:5) and that perfect love of Him casts out fear in our lives (1 John 4:18). Fear is the result of trying to change things I cannot change or worrying about things over which I have no control. In either case, I am seeking to place myself in control, rather than allowing God to be the one in control.

Foolishness, on the other hand, is trying to do God’s will my own way, or trusting in my own wisdom (or man’s wisdom) rather than God’s wisdom (the book of Proverbs contrasts wisdom and foolishness). I am guilty of foolishness when I choose not to work out my faith with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12-13), when I make a decision by leaning on my own understanding.

Faith is the balance between fear and foolishness. Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). The essential element is allowing God’s Spirit to lead and guide me. And it is refusing to take matters into my own hands!

During our adoption, we had choices which were difficult for us and for our sons. We were sure about our call to adoption, but each day tested our decision. When we realized that God had adopted us as His children unconditionally, it became easier to accept the challenges our sons presented.

Is there a specific area in adoption with which you wrestle? How have you sought help from the Word and from other believers to help you know what to do? Please submit this in the comment box below. Thanks!