Hope and Encouragement for Special Needs MomsChikamu

Day One

Why We Need Connection
Scriptures: Genesis 2:18, Romans 8:15-17, John 17:15-22

The Bible talks about how we were created for community. We were made to be connected to God and other people. You may ask yourself if that pertains to you even if you are introverted. As a special needs parent, there might be barriers to connection in the community or with a local church: whether it’s your child’s needs, a lack of understanding, or personal energy. But we were created for community. It’s necessary for our growth, mental health, and survival. So, let’s see why we need to make connection a priority.

It isn’t good for us to be alone.

During the six days of creation, God called what he had created good at the end of each day. However, before sin entered the world, God said one thing was not good. “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him” (Genesis 2:18). In God’s infinite wisdom He created not only marriage, but also connection between one another, intending us to walk together helping, sharpening, and encouraging each other.

Why do you think God designed us for relationships with other people?

In Christ, we are sons and daughters of God and part of His forever family.

Often fear drives us to retreat from a local body of believers. Through salvation, we have been adopted into the family of God and Romans 8 tells us that we don’t have to be slaves to fear because the Holy Spirit bears witness that we are children of God. We can call on our Heavenly Father. We also need other believers as we suffer together, labor together, and celebrate together. Being part of a local body of believers gives us a small taste of what Heaven will be like as we love God and glorify Him forever.

What fears keep you from being active in a local body of believers?

You were created for unity with other believers as an example to the world.

It can be easy to isolate ourselves, especially as special needs parents, because we feel like no one truly understands. Still, God’s desire is for us to be connected to others. In John 17, we see Jesus praying for unity among us - to be one. This was intended for His current disciples and for those who would believe in Him in the future. He asked that we would be sanctified so that those outside the church would believe that Jesus is who He said He was, the only Son of God. Unity with other believers is a display of the hope that is in us. While we aren’t perfect, connecting with other believers in love exemplifies this beautiful prayer of Jesus. We build one another up through connection and spread God’s love to those around us.

What is one step you can take today toward unity with other believers?