While others are making resolutions and exciting plans for a new year, special needs families may have dread in our hearts as we look at a new year on the calendar. Thoughts of the future can often be overwhelming. In this mom's world, there are countless "what ifs" on the horizon. There are short-term worries, like when the caregiver tells me she has found another job and we're once again squeezed between our full-time jobs and the need to give full attention to our son who is disabled. There are long-term heavy worries, like what will happen when I'm not around anymore or able to give full attention.
Recently I was reminded of the story of manna in the Bible. God's perfect provision for His children was given one day at a time. There was more on the ground, but His specific command was "take want you need for today" and trust that He will provide for tomorrow. The ultimate, tangible walk of faith was demonstrated in a very visible way that we can each understand. I'm hungry today, but I know I'll be hungry tomorrow, so even while being fed by miraculous provision, I'm tempted to worry about whether or not I will have food tomorrow.
Photo credit: Isabela Kronemberger on Unsplash.com.
Jesus said that the perfect prayer is "Give us this day our daily bread." I think that "daily" part is a key component we often forget. Not that we shouldn't plan or prepare for tomorrow, but there's a line that we often cross that goes into worry. I recently heard a pastor call out that worries are actually baby fears. Fear is a sin, and it takes us out of God's will for our lives.
My challenge when I'm thinking about not having a caregiver for my son next week is this: either I can stay awake all night worrying and trying to figure out an answer, or I can rest, thankful that every time this has happened God has provided. We've always made it through by grace and God's goodness. Which of those two scenarios should I spend my time on? Which will benefit me? Remember His goodness and thank Him for yesterday and today, or worry that He might forget to help us tomorrow?
Matthew 6:27 & 34 says, "So, which one of you by worrying could add anything to your life? Refuse to worry about tomorrow, but deal with each challenge that comes your way, one day at a time. Tomorrow will take care of itself."
Follow Melanie Gomez at https://redefinespecial.com and on Facebook.
