I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten … Joel 2:25
Right after my son James was diagnosed with autism, we were told we had to get him as much help as possible because the early years are so vital. They said if he didn’t learn it then, he may never learn it.
And we certainly tried. We had therapists coming to the house almost every day. He went to school. We changed his diet, took him to a special doctor, and did lots of our own therapy at home. But there was a limit to the money we could spend and the time we could invest. We could only do so much and still meet the needs of our other son and pay the bills. And at times we felt guilt for what we couldn’t do.
That’s why I love the idea in this verse. You may look back on hard years and wish you had done more or circumstances had been different. But God was working even in those tough years to work out His plan.
You can let go of the guilt you may feel during seasons when you weren’t meeting expectations (either your own or someone else’s). You weren’t designed to do it all. You have limitations, but you serve an infinite God!
God redeems the days, months, or even years you may feel were wasted. Like Jesus multiplied the loaves of bread and fish to feed thousands, God will accomplish His goals even with our meager offering.
You can pray this with me today: “God, we know you compensate for our mistakes and weaknesses. You restore and bring abundance! Help me to see my past through Your eyes today, and help us to look forward to the future knowing Your purpose will prevail. In Jesus's name, amen.”
Sandra Peoples (M Div) is a special-needs mom and sibling. She and her family live outside of Houston, TX where she serves her church as the Inclusion Coordinator for Special Needs Families. She is also the Special Needs Ministry Consultant for the Southern Baptist of Texas Convention. She’s the author of Unexpected Blessings: The Joys and Possibilities of Life in a Special-Needs Family and cohost of the podcast, Self Care and Soul Care for the Caregiver. You can connect with her at sandrapeoples.com.
