Chosen for your child
I don’t know about you, but being a parent is the hardest job I have ever had. There was no degree to prepare us, no online tutorial, no observation or data intake that could have gotten us ready.
When that baby came home with us from the hospital, we were thrown into a whirlwind of firsts. And just when we thought we had figured out our child/children, a new phase, a new challenge, a new season faced us head on.
And for those who have a child with special needs? My friend, you are just like me. We are taking it day by day, moment by moment. We are learning and leaning into God because we need wisdom and strength from above.
And if you are like me, you have days as a parent where you feel confident and courageous. You are aware of what your child needs and feel like you have a good grasp on the steps necessary to overcome. You are seeing progress. You are achieving goals (big and small) and celebrating them. You are proud of the parent you are becoming and the fruit of your efforts is on display as you look at your child.
But along with the confidence and courage, you have days where you feel weary. You feel the weight of the diagnosis and necessary decisions at hand for your child. You feel frustrated that although you are trying to be consistent, you just aren’t seeing your child overcome and meet anticipated goals. You have days you feel insecure, afraid, and anxious because you have trusted in your own efforts and have forgotten to fully trust God.
Chosen for our children
So, what do we do on the days we feel weary, frustrated, insecure, afraid, and like we just don’t have what it takes?
We don’t look at our feelings. We don’t look at our limited understanding or perspective. We don’t let our thoughts determine our next steps. We look to the only thing, the only one who is always true, always right, and will always lead the next steps in the right direction. We look to God and his word.
When our daughter was first diagnosed with cognitive and physical impairments at birth, I didn’t feel adequate to be her mom. I didn’t feel qualified. And if I am being honest, I even asked God, “God, why me? Why us? Why our family?” I was afraid. I was overwhelmed and I didn’t think I could fulfill my assignment to care for a special-needs child.
But as I looked to God and his word, one simple word changed my life as a parent—chosen. We are chosen for our children. We are hand-selected, preferred, set apart to be the parents of our precious children.
“But now, this is what the Lord says, he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze’” (Isaiah 43:1–2 NIV).
Formed and not forsaken
God says in Isaiah 43 that he created you and he formed you. God chose you for a purpose, for this purpose and this calling, to parent your child and care for their needs. You, my friend, are chosen for your child.
As you remind yourself of this truth, you can trust in his words. Even on your hardest days, the greatest trials you face, you will not be swept away, you will not be burned, but you will pass through this valley. Because you are chosen and because you have given your life to God and belong to him, he will always be with you. He created you.
He formed you.
He chose you.
Be encouraged today that as you look at your child, you were chosen for them, and they were chosen for you. Embrace the plans and promises of God. Cling to his word and his truth that will guard your heart and lead you step by step. You are chosen and will never be forsaken.
Consider a few extra resources:
- https://www.christianparenting.org/articles/raise-the-child-you-have-not-the-child-you-want/
- https://www.christianparenting.org/articles/when-you-wish-it-were-different-a-special-needs-mama-reflects-on-the-joy-and-the-uncertainty/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=fbTyoz-_X9E&feature=emb_logo
