Answered Prayers for the Least of These

Matthew 25:39-40 

'...And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?'  And the King will answer them, 'Truly I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'

When we get a call from the county regarding fostering a child it is often like a mini-emergency in our home.  When we have the chance, if time allows, we drop what we are doing and have a family meeting and prayer time.  There is much to pray over and consider in only a matter of moments.  We received one of these calls last month regarding a foster sweetie needing a placement.  As it was close to lunch time, Nic was already making lunch (the perks of a husband working from home!) and we were all already gathered in the kitchen.  I hastily scribbled down the minimal notes the social worker had available and promised to call her back in a few minutes.  Dropping what we were doing, we  bowed our heads to pray for this little one, asking God for wisdom regarding how to care well for our family and the potential of welcoming another child.  This particular day it turned out the answer was a no...

No, we would not be a placement option for this precious child.

It broke my heart to say no when we have so much love to share, when there is room at the table, room in a bed, room in our hearts to love and share and pray over a child.

It turned out that Nic was facing a two week business trip to Europe.  During the time he was gone we would be having grandparents visit, going to visit other grandparents, and continuing our weekly routine of piano lessons, dance, church, and classes outside of home.  Immediately upon his return we had scheduled a 10 day trip to Florida, driving all the way crowded into the big van.  The next month would be busy and a bit more chaotic than our norm.  We knew that the timing wasn't right to add a new foster child to the mix with whatever medical, legal, and visitation appointments it would automatically add to the schedule.  We had a peace in our hearts regarding our decision and a tender concern for this little one who was in a desperate place of need.

I dialed the social worker back and let her know of our decision.  She was gracious.  As I hung up the phone, the concern for this precious child continued to grow.  And then we prayed.  We prayed for all the hurts, dangers, and traumas that precipitate a child needing to be taken into protective custody.  We prayed for the county to find a loving and caring foster home.  We prayed that through this foster care experience this child would know genuine joy, love, and stability.

A week later I was touching base with the only other foster family I know in our entire county.  I'm sure there are more foster families than the two of us but they are the only other ones I know since we are still relatively new here.  I was overjoyed to find out that they had a recent foster placement that matched the brief description of the child we had had to turn down the week before.  I knew this precious child would be loved on, cared for, and prayed over in their home.  It was a direct answer to our prayers for this little one.  I am always amazed to see how God cares for the least of these, the fatherless, and the orphan.