Your children with special needs are made in God’s image. Your children are fearfully and wonderfully made, and the gospel assures us that they have a beautiful purpose for their lives.
1. Your child is made in God’s image.
God made all of humankind, including people with special needs, in his image. He created your children to beautifully showcase his attributes to the world. Your children point to God’s love, joy, strength, and glory just by being who they are. Because your children are made in God’s image, they have inherent worth. They are valuable not because of their abilities, but because of who God made them to be. (Gen. 1:27).
2. Your child is fearfully and wonderfully made.
God knew precisely who your children would be. He knit together every piece of them in the womb beautifully and perfectly. He created your children, and he loves them exactly as they are. Moreover, God created YOU to be just the parent that your children need — not a perfect parent, but a loving, safe, encouraging mom or dad. He will equip you with all that you need as you love and care for your children because he has given you this calling. (Ps. 139:13).
3. Your child’s disability is not a punishment.
As special needs parents, we often ask the question, “Why?” Jesus gives an answer in the story of a man who was born blind. Jesus makes it clear that disability is not a punishment for sin. “‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned,’ Jesus answered. ‘This came about so that God’s works might be displayed in him.'” (Jn. 9:3). The reason is so that the works of God may be revealed. God intends to work in and through the life of your children and your family. He has great plans for your precious children, and he will use their lives to display his beauty, glory, and love. (Jn. 9:1-3). He has a wonderful purpose for them, which leads to our last point.
4. Your child’s life has a beautiful purpose.
God designed each of us with a unique and marvelous purpose. God has a specific purpose for your children’s lives and plans for them to impact his kingdom in ways only they can. No matter your children’s abilities, God has prepared good works for them. He knows exactly who your children will touch and how they will affect this world, and he delights in that purpose. Your children are special, loved, and valued, and their lives are a reflection of God’s goodness and glory. (Eph. 2:10).
Check out More Special Needs Resources
How Can I Know God Saves People With Substantial Cognitive Impairment?
Depending on God in Trials as a Special Needs Parent
Supporting Neurotypical Siblings of Special Needs Children
What Does the Gospel Say About My Child with Special Needs?
How Can I Trust My Special Needs Child Understands the Gospel?
