“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10
My granddaughter has autism. My beautiful, sweet granddaughter has danced to a different drummer for a while now. I knew there was something about her that made her a little different. She is highly intelligent, has always been extremely verbal with a vocabulary way beyond her age. She is affectionate and compassionate and the only person in her family who really loves their cat. How could she be autistic?
I am so grateful I had my wonderful community group of women to share this news with shortly after I found out. We were studying a lesson about Ruth and Naomi. We discussed how we often believe the labels we and others attach to us over the way our heavenly Father, our perfect Creator, sees us. Not surprisingly, I lost it before it was even time to share prayer requests! All I could think about was how my beautiful girl was going to have to deal with labels times ten as an autistic child. How was her little spirit not going to be crushed by ignorant people who don’t know her or understand autism? Thankfully, on that day one Scripture after another reminded me that God is our label maker, not us, not other people. My little granddaughter already has a sweet love for Jesus that will be nurtured by her parents and grandparents. My prayer for her is that she will hold God’s sweet words, His truths, in her heart and wear them like a shield. I pray she will truly understand she is a chosen child of God. God has a unique and special plan for my granddaughter as He does for each of my five granddaughters. What a blessing it is to know that!
Reflection
We all need to put on the armor of God each and every day. We are not the labels we and others give us. No one knows us like our Father, and no person will ever love us the way He does. Psalm 34:8 says “Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see - how good God is. Blessed are you who run to him.”
Prayer
Father, you have created me from your image and for a purpose. Help me to remember to put on your armor every day so that I may live for you. Give me the courage to run to you first when I face trials. Help me to see myself as you see me - beloved and chosen. In Jesus’ name, amen.