A Year of Abundance for Special Needs FamiliesSample

Day 3 - The Bread of Life

The wilderness of caregiving can be a silent one. It can feel like everyone else is hearing God clearly, showing up to church early, joining Bible studies, getting that front row seat, and living the abundant life (which is really hard to do when you are on a medication schedule, have a child with behavior issues, or operate a G-tube with a mind of its own). It’s easy to perceive others as experiencing a relationship with God that appears to be unmarred by distraction or disappointment, while we special needs parents have to sort through a list of let-downs before we even get to the fun stuff in our time of private prayer!

In the wilderness, the Israelites were given manna, an unusual substance from heaven, to feed them every day on their journey. Manna was not to be stored up; just enough was to be set aside for one day use. I used to think, that much like the manna, “a little bit” was all I needed when it came to God’s presence and His Word. If I could just get to church, or just get one Scripture into my brain, or just hear one worship song, then that was enough for me. True, God is faithful to give us just what we need, and one word from Him can last us a long time. But when Jesus came, He not only fulfilled everything promised to the Israelites in the Old Testament, He also surpassed it! Jesus is referred to as the “Bread of Life” that will never run out, and He is also one with the Word of God. So I no longer have to scrape by for a scrap at the table – I can partake of the Bread of Life which is the abundant sustenance that I need for the journey!

I encourage you to let the Word of God soak over you at home. Whether in audio form or posted to every wall in your house. One word is enough, but there is so much more available to us through Jesus. Instead of opting for social media or television or food to “numb out”, try partaking of the Bread of Life. Turn on worship music... journal through the Psalms... try out a Bible memorization app on your phone. He doesn’t just want to give you life for the day that leads to lack; He wants to give you abundant sustenance that energizes you for the journey!