The Signs

For those of you who do not know our oldest son, Jacob who will be 6 in May, is an extremely strong willed little boy. There many times I have asked the Lord why? What are you teaching me Lord?

I myself was a strong willed child, though my parents tell me that Jacob is magnified 200%. Many of you may be able to sympathize with me and understand the frustration that comes along with a child who constantly argues and must have their way…..ALL the time.

Several months ago, before Christmas, I was having a really hard time with Jacob’s behavior. I wasn’t sure that I was capable of raising him properly.  The Lord shared with me that He has trusted Wes and I to raise these boys. He knows that we can do it and has Faith in us. Hear what I’m saying….God has Faith in us.  We are not perfect parents but He believes in us. Our faith in him is nothing compared to his belief in what we can do. Wes and I pray many times that one day Jacob’s will be aligned with the Lord’s, but until then it’s our job to give Jacob the tools and equip him with God’s Word and Truth. The Lord is the only one that can work in his heart.

God has Faith in us.

Psalm 86:15 ~ But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness

I’ve often wondered why God gives us the children that we have and the circumstances He puts us in. Raising our children, at times seems like a tribulation, but I believe that the Lord is teaching me just as much as I’m teaching my children. 

At first, regarding Will’s Apraxia, I didn't react the way most people do when they find out that ‘your child has a developmental delay’(or there is something ‘wrong’ with your child). I actually had a peace about it.  I knew that the Lord would bring people into our lives to help.

James 1: 2-3 ~ Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,  because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

I did have a moment a little over a month ago where I felt like I was missing out on my child’s natural development. Then Wes reminded me that “this is Will’s natural development” and it was his path. Will is fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14)!!!

According to child developmental standards; Will should be have about 20 words in his vocabulary and saying some 2 word combinations. At this point he has about less than 10 words that he uses consistently.

All I could see was a huge cloud in front of me and I couldn't see what was going to happen. I had questions like… How will he do in school?  When I prayed about it, the Lord reminded me that He was the cloud … He was there to guide me because it was His plan, just as he did Israelites.

Hebrews 11:1~ Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.      
 
Just this past week, I thought a lot about the different ways God prepared me for Will’s speech delay. Little did I know that my degree in child development gave me knowledge to help me to recognize the signs of his delay.

During the 2005-06 school year I was the 3 year old teacher at Trinity Baptist Weekday Preschool; I had the privilege of watching a young autistic girl develop friendships and learn new things. I told her mom that I felt that the Lord brought her daughter into my life to prepare me. What for? I didn’t know.  She was one of the reasons why I applied for a job in the public school district. I obtained a job as an instructor for a small guided reading group. Within my 6 years as a paraprofessional I learned a lot about language, speech, grammar, and strategies that young readers use. The knowledge that I gained has helped me to understand Will’s speech therapy goals. 

Then, just last May Wes and I, after much prayer, chose to follow God’s will for me not to work, but stay home with Will. What an amazing God we serve. He knew that I would need to be home for Will’s therapy.
 
Our sermon at church Sunday was about the signs that God gives us, Jesus signs were miraculous, but God gives us signs everyday to draw us closer to Him. Though, it's us who have to decide how to read those signs. I recognized signs that told me that my son’s speech was delayed because of my knowledge in child development. Knowing Him helps me to read His signs that will point me to closer to Him.

2 Peter 3:18 ~ But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

I know that our family cannot go down this path without the Lord's help. I lean on Him daily and ask for His guidance....Thank you Lord for your Faithfulness.

 

Proverbs 3:5-6

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Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.