Amy E. Mason - Bible Promises for Parents of Children with Special Needs

Caring for someone with special needs is an incredible journey. At times the road can be lonely and difficult to navigate, while at other times it brings joy and victory. The unique situations you face as a parent of a child with special needs may leave you wondering, Is the Bible relevant for me? The answer is an overwhelming yes!

Hidden within the pages of Scripture are beautiful stories of people with special needs. Jesus met children and adults with all kinds of disabilities, and we find comfort in the way he noticed their condition and responded with compassion. His attention to each situation shows the intrinsic value of every person with special needs. These stories offer hope because God notices and pursues you and your child too, and he walks with you on this awesome adventure.

Bible Promises for Parents of Children with Special Needs is a topical guide to Gods promises. Each topic was selected for its relevance to parents or caregivers of a person with special needs. You will find Scripture promises that speak to the uniqueness of special needs parenting both the joys and the struggles. These promises offer you comfort and encouragement. They are truths to celebrate, and they lay a foundation for hope. Claim them as your own. Pray them over your family and over your children. Let them guide you into the presence of Jesus.

Does your heart ever ache with questions, confusion, or discouragement? Caring for a child with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, ADHD, emotional or behavioral disorders, physical disabilities, or learning disabilities can be all-consuming. Do you ever feel you have no margin in your schedule and no emotional reserves? Do you long for encouragement, rest, and refreshment? Scripture speaks hope into your weariness and struggles.

While there are times of difficulty on your journey, there are also times of great joy! When your heart is full of love and bursts with pride for your child, when your child reaches a new milestone, achieves a new skill, or exceeds all expectations go to Scripture, which speaks of celebration, joy, and gratitude as well.

Focusing on Gods promises ushers you into his presence. Claiming Gods promises for your everyday life helps you become aware of his passion for you and for your child. Jesus came to offer an abundant, satisfying life filled with joy (John 10:10). As you explore these promises, my prayer is that youll discover Gods provision for you in every moment.

ABANDONMENT

When you feel like God has abandoned you...

P SALM 9:10 | Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O L ORD , do not abandon those who search for you.

2 C ORINTHIANS 4:9 | We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.

J OHN 14:16 | I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you.

As a parent of a child with special needs, do you ever feel alone? In your difficult times, some of your closest friends may neglect or even desert you, but God never will. He is always pursuing you, trying to get your attention. Are you aware of him? If you are sincerely looking for God, you are sure to find him because he will never abandon anyone who wants a relationship with him. In fact, your difficulties can help you look more intently for God so that you can see him right by your side.

ABILITIES

When you feel unqualified to meet your familys needs...

2 C ORINTHIANS 3:5-6 | It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God. He has enabled us to be ministers of his new covenant. This is a covenant not of written laws, but of the Spirit. The old written covenant ends in death; but under the new covenant, the Spirit gives life.

When you come to the end of your own abilities...

I SAIAH 40:29-31 | He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the L ORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

Z ECHARIAH 4:6 | It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the L ORD of Heavens Armies.

When people focus on what your child may never do...

M ATTHEW 19:26 | Jesus looked at them intently and said, Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.

E PHESIANS 3:20 | Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.

Parents of children with special needs often talk about abilities. You are probably keenly aware of both your childs ability level and your own. However, the end of your abilities may be when youre able to see Gods power and strength most clearly. When others focus on what your child cannot do, see it as an opportunity to focus on who God is and what he can do through you and your child. Sometimes inability is the vehicle for experiencing the blessing of Gods powerful presence and provision.

ABUNDANCE

When you need more than others can give...

E PHESIANS 3:18-19 | May you have the power to understand, as all Gods people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.