Disabilities

The Value of Special-Needs Children

Physical and mental handicaps are forever a part of this fallen world. Most families have been affected by disabilities in one way or another. In many cases, such families have their sensitivities to the needs of those with disabilities heightened.

When a mother is disabled, the children can learn very early that caring for such a woman is a privilege. Because she cannot run to catch and discipline her children, they have to learn to obey her instantly because of their love and respect for her.

When a child with a handicap is born into a home, the family has an opportunity to turn to the Lord in a fresh way, realizing that though God allowed the handicap to occur, He would in some way work it to the good of all involved (Rom. 8:28). Such a child demands unconditional love.

Through the handicap of one, others can learn lessons:

* Patience — waiting to see God’s final work (Is. 40:31; 1 Thess. 5:14);

* Gratitude — being thankful for any small gain made (Eph. 5:20);

* Faith — learning to depend absolutely upon God and His Word whatever the circumstances (2 Cor. 12:9);

* Kindness toward others — accepting them and responding to them in lovingkindness (Heb. 12:2).

Ministering to those with disabilities teaches us lessons that could never be learned in any other way, and God blesses in the process (Matt. 25:40). Through the weakness found in disabilities, the Lord’s strength is made perfect (Heb. 11:34). Those who lovingly serve the disabled are made strong in the love of God. The Lord told us to love one another and to bear the burdens of one another (Gal. 6:2). There is value in service to those with disabilities and much to be learned by both those who serve and those who are being served. This value is primarily found in being drawn close to our Savior who Himself set the example for us.

Taken from The Woman’s Study Bible