The Giants

These were originally a series of Facebook blurbs I posted last week on the Rising Above Ministries page. I had requests to do a compilation of them, so here they are. -Jeff

The giants you face in your special needs world are going to wake up today. Go ahead and punch them in the face and remember what God says, "“Do not be terrified; do not be afraid of them. The Lord your God, who is going before you, will fight for you."(Deuteronomy 1:29-30)

During a “special needs moment” today you may feel all alone. Remember, He chose you, He called you, He equipped you, He will lead you, He will guide you, He will comfort you, He will provide for you, He will sustain you, He will carry you, He will redeem you, He will restore you, He will refresh you, He will go before you, He will go alongside you, He will go behind you, and He will even sing over you-but the one thing He will never do for you is leave you alone. You are never alone!

During a "special needs moment" you may hear two voices. The voice of this world will tell you to just give up and surrender. It will tell you can't do this, that you are being punished and you have no value or significance. God's voice will tell you He created you for a plan and a purpose, that you are wonderfully made, and that you are destined to bring Him glory. You will become whatever you believe. And what you believe will be determined by whose voice you listen to. Choose to listen to the One who made you, called you and chose you.

At some point today you may have one of those moments when reality crashes in and the storms threaten you. Tell the special needs storm to "shut up! I'm staying in the boat, I may be soaked but I'm not sunk!" -Listen to God who says "when you pass through the waters, I will be with you. and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you."- (Isaiah 43:2)

Finally, I just want to remind you that God has given each of you a story. But the story of your life isn't about you. God is telling His story through you. When those special needs moments come up, and they will, remember that He chose you for this part. If you allow Him to control the story you will find moments of peace, joy, and blessings along the way. But it is your choice as to what perspective to take. What if your biggest struggle becomes the stage for God to do something epic for His glory? Don't let someone else control your story. It's your choice.