Romans 8:28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose. (NIV)
I have to admit something about the title of this devotion: This passage of Scripture doesn’t promise that we will always see the good in every difficult situation, but merely tells us that the good is there. However, in applying these gracious words to the lives of parents of special needs children, we can make this sweeping statement: GOD WILL SHOW YOU THE GOOD.
Why? Because you are with your child day after day, month after month, year after year. You endure the struggles with your child, and you also share the joys. You experience all sorts of little victories that wouldn’t mean much at all if not for the struggles: a successful trip to the bathroom; an enjoyable meal; a productive trip to the therapist or doctor. Through it all, God points you to small blessings that you would probably take for granted otherwise. And these are blessings--gifts to you and your child from a loving God.
Another way God will show you good is by introducing you to all sorts of people whom you would never meet otherwise: healthcare workers, social workers, and other families dealing with special needs. It’s not an exaggeration to say that you will meet (or perhaps already have met) hundreds of people you never would have met if your child didn’t have his or her particular challenges. And each person we encounter is a person whom God can use to bless us, who can be blessed by us, or a combination of the two.
It’s just as God promised–all things work together for the good of those who love God. But let’s also realize that too many people misread that passage to say something it doesn’t–something along the lines of “everything works out in the end” or “it’s all going to be OK” or “you won't experience any 'tragedies'.” That’s not what the apostle Paul writes.
This is a sweeping promise, yes. But it isn’t for everyone; it’s only for those who “love God.” Does that make you wonder if you love God enough to reap the blessings of this promise? Don’t wonder. Remember what the apostle John wrote concerning love: “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19). Through contact with God's Word, you know the love of God, expressed most fully in his gift of a Savior. You know the love of God for your child, as he welcomes your child into his family through Holy Baptism. It’s that love that he has already shown you that gives you confidence in him and his promises.
And the good that you will continue to see in your life and the life of your child will be a continuing expression of God’s love. He keeps his promises. He has shown and will continue to show you love. You, in turn, can continue to grow in your love for him.
Prayer: Dear Father, I am relying on your promises, especially your promise to bring good out of any and every situation. Please give me the grace to see the good things you are bringing to me and my child even through my child's unique needs. In faith, help us look forward to the time when all of your goodness will be right before our eyes in the perfection of heaven. Until then, give us the strength each day to persevere and serve as witnesses to your gracious love. I pray in your Son’s name. Amen.
by Stephen and Margo Schmidt