When you pass through deep waters, I will be with you; your troubles will not overwhelm you. Isaiah 43:2 (GNT)
I loved this verse when I was in college. I also had very little idea what trouble was. Being a mom of a child with developmental delays and autism has taken me through much deeper waters than I ever anticipated. And you know what? The fact that I haven’t drowned is not because I’m an expert swimmer.
I had no idea how to swim in the water of disability. I had a teaching degree, graduated from a college many consider to be prestigious, was the mom of a two-year-old who hit every developmental milestone early, and needed professional help to parent Zack. I also needed professional help to deal with my own depression and anxiety over his diagnosis.
God was with me in those deep waters — with His presence, yes, but also through other people. He helped me through people who knew how to swim, and I held on to them. Zack’s developmental preschool had a social worker who was a lifesaver, along with many of his teachers in later grades. Parents of children like Zack who knew more than I did gave me hope and a sounding board. Friends swimming in different water who knew how to listen and pray kept me afloat. And respite workers provided breaks from constant caregiving.
God gives us other people to keep us from being overwhelmed. Sometimes we have to reach out to find them, but they are there. He is with you AND He knows you need flesh and blood connection. Grab every lifesaver you can and hold on. One day He will use you as that for someone else.
PRAYER:
Father, bring someone today who will help me take the next step. I need courage in the form of a friend. Open my eyes to see the person you have who can help me. Amen.
Author Bio: Elizabeth Griffin is a senior writer at CRISTA Ministries. Her journey as a mom of a child with autism can be followed on her blog “Follow the Dots.” If you would like a free copy of Elizabeth’s book Fragile X, Fragile Hope, let us know at comments@allmomdoes.com.
