I am going to take a different approach this month and focus on what got me through some very difficult and challenging times raising a child with special needs; my spiritual strength. “The Lord is close to the broken hearted, He rescues those who are crushed in Spirit,” Psalm 34:18. There were many times I felt crushed in spirit with the intolerance of others or with the challenges that come with raising a child of autism.
A Greater Purpose
Over the decades I prayed for patience, perseverance, compassion, and love. But God wasn’t going to just hand over those qualities. Instead, He blessed me with a special needs child to provide opportunities for me to grow. It’s called character building. God has purpose in everything. He uses circumstances to provide opportunities to grow and develop character. It’s all part of God’s growth process for us. As Romans 5:3-4 states … “suffering produces perseverance, character; and character, hope.” We may not see it in the midst of heartache, but God allows problems to draw us closer to Him. Lay it at His feet! His purpose is greater than our problems or pain. He will give us the grace to get through it.
Renewing Strength
Get renewed strength. This is one of my all-time favorite scriptures – “But they who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint,” Isaiah 40:31. Freedom in soaring with God!! He has already gone before us; God already has a plan. Ask Him to make you sensitive to His purpose; trust His leading. He speaks clearly, just stop to breath taking time to listen. During difficulties, grasp hold of His promises. “Call on me in times of trouble, and I will rescue you and you will honor me,” Psalm 50:15. His timing is always perfect. Paula Friedrichsen brings all of this forward in her sermon “Born to Soar” focusing on Isaiah 40:31. Be blessed and listen in.
A Parental Love
God is our Father; we know what it is like to be a parent. We want the best for our children. So does our Father God. He loves us so much and wants what is best for us His children. “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future,” Jeremiah 29:11.
Remember, it’s not what we’ve been dealt but how we deal with it that makes the difference. Be encouraged; our circumstances are only temporary, but our character lasts forever.
May you be blessed abundantly as you travel on your spiritual journey. You can read more about our spiritual journey with Story Harvest titled “Our Miraculous Journey”.
About Lori Ciccarelli
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