This past weekend I had the great honor to speak to a group of women who deal with special needs every day.  The session was called “Special Strength for Special Needs.”  We talked about many things and shared some truth from scripture and I asked them how many times they had heard the statement………”God gave your child to you because He knew you could handle it.  He only gives children like this to special people.”

Well, first of all, that’s not true.  I’ve seen some kids with serious need be born to deadbeat and abusive parents who shouldn’t be allowed to own a dog, let alone raise a kid (typical or special needs).  And in regards to being a special parent, as I talked with the ladies Saturday, here’s the conclusion we came to.  We’re not special.  We are so ordinary.  Sometimes even desperate.  Our hearts are often broken.  Our strength fails.  Our wisdom is not enough.  We sometimes lack faith.  We get grumpy.  We get discouraged.  Sometimes we even despair.  There’s nothing special about us.  We just are common people who have been called to do an extraordinary task.

The next question I asked was how often they had been told by well-meaning people that “God won’t give you more than you can bear”?  If I only had a dollar for every time I’ve heard these 2 things I would never have to concern myself about my daughter’s care ever again.

People often quote that verse (I Cor. 10:13) in relation to burdens we carry, but that’s not at all what that verse is talking about.  That verse is talking about temptation.  We won’t be tempted more than we can bear.  When it comes to burdens……well…..they are burdens.  And they are heavy.  And they are often more than we can bear.  The sooner we recognize that the burdens are too great, the sooner we will lean on this scripture…2 Cor. 12:9 – ” ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.”

So friends, what burden are you carrying?  You know, the one that makes you feel really weak and incompetent and like your hands are tied and you have no options?  That burden.  Recognize that God’s grace is all we need.  Even in our weakness……especially in our weakness, God’s power works best.  You don’t have to be special to do great and mighty or extraordinary things.  You need to realize that you are not special.  You are weak.  And that’s just the way God can use you best.