I’m so excited to share an excerpt from my newest book, Wanted: 21 Days of Encouragement for Moms of Children with Special Needs. Grab your copy now!
DAY ONE
“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” Psalm 77:11-12
My heart pounded in my chest as my husband and I rode in silence, traveling an hour to the office of a well-known child psychologist. We were on our way to hear results of our young son’s recent psychological evaluation. I was nervous, knowing that we’d soon be given news which could possibly devastate our family.
As we parked the car and entered the building, I grabbed my husband’s hand, leaning into him for support as my legs threatened to collapse under the weight of the stress and fear pressing down on me. The psychologist met us in the waiting room and silently led us to her office where we sank into the couch, trying to get comfortable as we awaited the diagnosis she would share.
“I’m sorry to tell you this, but your son has autism,” she said as she handed us her medical report.
Tears filled my eyes as my husband took a deep breath, wrapping his arms around me.
We had known for several months that something wasn’t quite normal with our son’s development. He’d been exhibiting numerous red flags pointing towards the autism spectrum so we’d actually been expecting this diagnosis. My husband and I thought we’d prepared our hearts and wrapped our minds around what this diagnosis might mean, but actually seeing the word “autism” on paper? That was another thing altogether.
In the year leading up to this diagnosis, the Lord had impressed upon me the need to memorize several scriptures. Looking back, I realized that even though we didn’t know our son would be diagnosed with autism, God knew. And He knew I would need reassurance, reminders of His past faithfulness, His love, His goodness.
One particular verse that I clung to is found in the book of Psalms. The promises of this scripture pulled me through many dark and sorrowful nights as I poured out my tears to the Lord.
“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” Psalm 77:11-12
Many years have passed since that devastating day in the psychologist’s office. Years spent in and out of speech and occupational therapies, counseling and behavior therapy. Years of prayers and tears and praise as we witnessed, little by little, our son emerging from what was once a dark diagnosis into a bright and active child.
Whether He chooses to grant our requests for healing and wholeness or He has different plans for our family, God is still good and He is still faithful. Thankfully, I’ve learned over the years that the Holy Spirit knows exactly where we are. What we feel. What we fear.
And what we need.
So “I will remember the deeds of the Lord…”
Father, I know you work for our good. I’ve seen your miracles in my life in years past. Right now, it looks hopeless, this situation I find myself in. Remind me of the many ways you’ve gone before me in the past. Thank you for your faithfulness to me.
MEDITATE
What is your favorite scripture? If you don’t have one, make time this week to search God’s Word for a nugget of truth. Write the passage here or in your journal and meditate on what God is speaking to your heart.
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