And We’re Back…
After a two year break following the adoption of our two little ones, we are once again a foster family. Amazingly enough, it’s still as overwhelming as it ever was.
Two little boys under the age of three. Two brothers, scared and trying desperately to figure things out. Two beautiful human beings in need of shelter, compassion, grace, and God’s love.I preached on Sunday about being the hands and feet of Jesus, breaking the enemy’s schemes, and being God’s vessels used to issue justice. I just didn’t realize that it would involve changing diapers again and holding crying children until they can fall asleep.
Theoretical Christianity is always so much easier than living it. Perhaps that’s why so many days we settle for the former and wonder why there’s no power to be found.
That’s not to say I think we’re special or even “good” people. I was reluctant to say yes and I still feel the reluctance. My wife and I feel stressed and overwhelmed as we keep up everything else going on and she finishes the end of her teaching school year as well.  But at the heart of it, we prayed (and keep praying) and we feel strongly that this is what we’re supposed to do at this moment.
Several verses keep hitting me today (this is the best way I can describe it)…
If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor,
he too will cry out and not be answered. (Proverbs 21:13)
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ †(Matthew 25:37-40)
Dear Heavenly Father,
I thank you for sufficient grace. I thank you for your life that flows in us as we abide in the Vine. Your power is perfected in our weakness. You are so good to us. I pray for these boys that peace would reign in their hearts in the midst of this great turmoil. I ask that they would feel your hand as we hold theirs, feel your care as we hold them close and sing over them.
However long they may be in our house, I pray that an eternal impact and impression of your love and faithfulness be imprinted on them.
I thank you that you are gracing the parents now as they make decisions that will affect the rest of their lives as well these precious boys. May they find themselves crying out to you, Lord. I know You are faithful to answer.
Surround them, protect them, and propel them to the place they need to be.
Give us the strength we need for today, and thank you for the opportunity to be Your hands and feet. We are standing in the gap for these and others, and it’s all for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, I pray—amen.
You may be reluctant like me, but I hope you will all find a way to express God’s love, kindness, and encouragement in the opportunities that He brings you…
18 Comments
This is a picture of God… That in this huge world, filled with people, that He loved these two little boys enough to send them to a sanctuary where He can minister love and life to them. That's just like our God to do such an awesome thing!
Thanks Sarah. I believe it!
I'm in the middle of reading a review copy of "Jesus Manifesto" (It's a tough read and reminds me of my college days of theology books…but that being said.). It presents the argument that Jesus is not just someone we follow or look up to, rather, when we give our lives to him, He comes to dwell in us.
Christ is living in you and through you as He ministers to these two little boys. May Christ shine through you and yours, may His glory overflow and transform the lives of these boys.
We will be praying for you during this adventure of faith.
Praying for you Jason. I think it takes a special person to go through foster parenting. The truth is, you make those little children's lives so much more beautiful just by taking the time to care.
And that's what being one of God's children is all about.
Yes, I believe that! Even though we feel at our end many times, we lean in to grace and mercy. He is always faithful and more than enough. Thanks Dusty.
Thank you Duane. I don't think it takes a special person as much as it takes a willing and available one, but that describes almost everything right?
I appreciate the encouragement!
Jason, wow. I love your heart and passion. You mentioned opportunites…I know this is a little off, but I have been praying not to get more opportunities, but to recognize the ones that I am missing.
Great post again my friend.
That's a good prayer because we are certainly not lacking opportunities if our eyes are open. Thank you Michael.
Blessings to your family. Those boys are blessed to have you and your wife right now.
Thanks Helen. We definitely want to be a blessing.
I think this is an amazing story! It makes me very happy to hear a testimony like this. Even one where you will experience extreme joy, you have also stepped out in faith. I think it's a great story of believing in God's orders. It's really a reminder for us to be open to what God wants us to do, and step out in action.
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Thank you Melissa! I appreciate your thoughts.
Brother, I think you and your wive are heroes, not trying to sound corny or over dramatic but it takes a heart full of courage to do what you doing. That's the spirit of adoption in full frontal mode…
Blessings,
Jay
I appreciate the encouragement. I know it has to be God though because I'm way too selfish for this (being honest). So thankful to see the evidence of grace…
This is a GREAT post, Jason!
Thank you Peter.
You said you preached about "being the hands and feet of Jesus, breaking the enemy’s schemes, and being God's vessels used to issue justice. I just didn’t realize that it would involve changing diapers again and holding crying children until they can fall asleep."
Thank you for this window into your world. You're the hands and feet of Jesus … responding in faith to His *heart,* serving as family to lonely, confused and hurting children.
It's always a pleasure and honor to share what God is doing in me.
Thank you Ann.