Romans 8:28, New International Version

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Let me preface this by sharing a controversial take in the autism/Christian community. There are chatter/opinions that autism is demonic possession or a lack of faith. Personally, I completely disagree with this, but that's a whole other status of its own!

Every morning before workshop, Isaiah, my son who has autism, and I pray. We pray for safety on the bus, a calm spirit, health, safety over the bus drivers, the clients, etc. He especially asks to pray for Anna and Cindy! Yesterday he threw in two names of his fellow clients (friends at his workshop). My heart was so full! But that's not what got me. It was when we were done. He said, "We ask this in Jesus's name. Amen!”

Now, if you know anything about demons, they tremble and shake and flee at the name of Jesus. It disturbs them. They can't stand against it. And here is my son with autism bringing petitions in Jesus's name!

Isaiah is smart. He doesn't say much, but he absorbs everything! On Saturday night he's already asking, "Sunday New Life Church?” He listens and sings to worship music and goes to Bible study. He is in relationship with the Creator in a way special to him.

I have prayed since Isaiah's diagnosis for God to take the autism away. Heal him. And he hasn't. I don't know if I was praying selfishly to make my life easier or what, but I know this....

Isaiah didn't "deserve" autism. This wasn't a punishment for something I did wrong.

It's life. It's not what God originally intended for any of us. He wanted perfection, we humans wanted free will, and now sickness, crime, violence, poverty, etc. are a result of our rebellion. It's easy to praise and say God is good when life is perfect. But I feel like the real testimony comes from saying God is good when your child sleeps three hours a night. When you have to sacrifice to meet their needs. When you have just sat down and want to relax, they want Burger King and you are the only one that can do it cause your twenty-nine-year-old can't drive. God is good when you have to cut work hours because you don't have daycare and your paychecks are less, but you never go without. He is good when you are jumping in the waves of the ocean because your son is able to fly and travel with ease.

Isaiah's autism isn't possession or punishment. It's the love of the Father that is so ridiculously good that He said, "Isaiah, you will never have hate in your heart. You will never hurt anyone, show unforgiveness, or be unkind. You won't drink alcohol, be on drugs, or have sin against your body. I love you so much that I am creating you to live a life on earth that guarantees you entrance to Heaven."

I don't know about you, but it makes me a little jealous.

I know this is a long read, and I don't know what battle or challenge you may be facing today,  but know that even though things might not always be good, our Jesus is and He promises us in Romans 8:28 He will use it all for His good and purpose.