His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” – John 9:2, NIV
Cheryl’s son was diagnosed with autism when he was five. After that, Cheryl spent a lot of time online looking for causes. She made appointments with the best specialists in the world. But even with all their medical knowledge, the doctors couldn’t explain exactly why her son had the medical condition.
A few days after another disappointing doctor’s visit, Cheryl was waiting in line at the coffee shop. The woman behind her struck up a conversation, and they both discovered they had children with autism.
Cheryl felt relieved to connect with someone who understood her family’s struggle. “I keep trying to figure out why this happened. I want to know what I did. I must have done something wrong, and God has punished my son for it.”
The other mother smiled at Cheryl sympathetically. She shared the truth of John 9. “God didn’t send autism to punish you or your child, but He can use it for His glory. What was meant to hurt and destroy your family will become a beacon of light that calls others toward God.”
God, help me to remember that You can redeem any illness or disability. Please take the painful parts of my life and use them to draw others closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
