Be encouraged, special needs parent! Guest blogger and special needs parent Sandy Ramsey-Trayvick is here again. In this post she shares words God has used to encourage her as she cares for her son with special needs.

Over the past few months, I’ve spoken with a number of special needs moms who’ve been struggling a lot lately—some feeling overwhelmed and questioning whether they have what it takes to parent their child, others feeling unsure as they walk with their child through a challenging transition, some wondering where God is in their suffering, and many feeling misunderstood and alone in their special needs journey.

As I listen to their stories, I often find myself searching for the exact right words to say to restore their hope and ease their suffering. But I realize that my words alone don’t possess that kind of power. I know that the only words that can consistently give us the strength and hope we need to navigate this journey come from the mouth of God. His words alone provide the promises, comfort, and practical wisdom that can empower us to keep moving forward and enable us to experience joy in the process.

I thought I’d share some of the scriptures that have become my go-tos as I navigate my special needs life. Be encouraged special needs parents, for God wrote them for you also.

“But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.'”—2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV

This verse has been a lifeline for me during the toughest parts of my journey. It came to life for me early on when I hit a wall emotionally trying to do everything on my own. When I admitted to the Lord that I had reached my limit, I actually felt His grace as He strengthened me. I realize now that God never expected me to walk this journey in my own strength. So now I ask for His grace.

“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.”—Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

This has become my life verse. I realize that there’s so much I don’t know when it comes to making decisions for my child with special needs. And often, I don’t know what I don’t know. So I seek the Lord—Who is the Knower of all things—and trust Him to lead me along the best pathway forward. He knows my son better than I ever could, and He knows the plans He has for my son’s life.

“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.”—Romans 8:28 NIV

This verse reminds me that God is faithful, and that He is ALWAYS for me, my son, and my family. Even when things are going sideways, or we’re facing setbacks or challenges, I’m reminded that God is still working. For. Our. Good. So I trust Him and wait for—look for—the good.

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”—Galatians 6:2 ESV

To be honest, it wasn’t until recently that I realized the importance of having a special needs community. I had done without one for most of my special needs life. It was during COVID that the Lord urged me to not isolate myself. So I sought ways to connect with other special needs moms online and it has been life changing for me. To be able to join with other moms who get it, and who can offer support, encouragement, and empathy has become an essential part of my life. I hope you will also be encouraged, special needs parents, as God speaks to you through his words and other special needs parents.

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