Growth Challenges (Part 1)

Bible Reading: Exodus 4:10-12; John 9:2-3

“Hi, Mom,” Emma said as she and Landon came into the kitchen after school. “Is Andy awake? Can I take him for a walk?”

“Again? You sure give that baby a lot of attention!” Landon smirked. “Don’t you want to help me mow the lawn first? After all, I’m your brother too!”

Emma grinned. “Yeah, but you’re not as cute and cuddly as Andy.”

When Emma and Landon came home from school the next day, Mom and Dad were sitting in the kitchen with Andy. “Hi!” Emma said. “How did Andy’s doctor appointment go?” She held out her arms. “Come here, Andy. What did the doctor say about you? Were you a good boy?”

Mom gave Emma a weak smile. “He was a very good boy, but I’m afraid we have some difficult news. We’ve been concerned that Andy hasn’t been doing things most babies do at his age. The doctor ran some tests and went over the results with us today. She told us Andy has some developmental challenges and can’t learn the way other kids do. He’ll have special needs for the rest of his life.”

Landon and Emma were startled.

“You mean he’s going to be…different?” Emma asked in a slightly shaky voice.

“I don’t get it,” Landon said. “Why would God allow that to happen?”

“We don’t know why, but we do know God has a reason—a good reason—for everything He allows,” Dad said. “Perhaps someday we’ll know why, but for now, we just need to go on loving and caring for Andy.”

Emma burst into tears. “It’s just not fair,” she sobbed.

“I know it’s hard to understand,” said Dad, “but remember that Jesus died to take the punishment for Andy’s sin as well as ours. Now that doesn’t seem fair, does it? But He did it because He loves Andy and has a purpose for His life.”

Mom nodded. “That’s why we need to trust Jesus with Andy’s situation, even though we don’t have all the answers. Let’s pray He’ll use Andy’s life to bless others and bring God glory.”

Emma wiped her eyes and nodded, and they all gathered around the table to pray. – Agnes Livezey

How About You?

Do you know someone who has special needs? We don’t know why God allows some people to have challenges learning the way other people do, but we do know Jesus died for all of us and has a special purpose for each one of our lives. Trust Him to do what’s best in that person’s life, then enjoy all the blessings they have to offer.

Today’s Key Verse:
Exodus 4:11 Who has made man’s mouth…the mute, the deaf, the seeing, or the blind? Have not I, the Lord?

Today’s Key Thought:

God has a purpose for each life