Thank you for making the Gospel and Christian community accessible to people with complex lives, with disability or medical challenges, mental health issues and other special needs.
Tis the season when caring ministry leaders and volunteers typically try to do some regrouping. And yet this summer is different. It comes as we’re still experiencing effects of a pandemic, and the needs of individuals and families impacted by disability are ongoing. Your ministry may involve vacation Bible school, respite nights or extra care calls and home visits. In the midst of it all, I hope you are enjoying summer holidays, some family time and a day or more of extra rest.
The Bible has generous reassurance for leaders caring for individuals and families affected by special needs. I pray you know the tremendous value of the work you do and find refreshment in God’s truth here!
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” Psalm 32:8
There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. 1 Corinthians 12:4
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. James 1:5
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10
God will make this happen, for He who calls you is faithful. 1 Thessalonians 5:24
The Lord isn’t really being slow about His promise, as some people think. No, He is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 2 Peter 3:9
Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are. 1 Peter 5:9
Photo credit: May Gauthier on Unsplash.com.
12. “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9
13. Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come. Jeremiah 33:3
14. What is impossible for people is possible with God. Luke 18:27
15. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them. Romans 8:28
16. If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Romans 8:31
17. The justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun. Psalm 37:6
18. Nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. Romans 8:38
19. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6
20. And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
21. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13
22. Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that He has promised. Hebrews 10:36
23. Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11: 28-30
24. So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Galatians 6:9
25. And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Philippians 1:6
God bless you, your family, and all that you do!
Lisa Jamieson is a caregiver consultant, pastoral counsellor and author of popular books and Bible studies including Finding Glory in the Thorns and Jesus, Let’s Talk. Lisa and her husband, Larry, live in Minnesota with the youngest of their three grown daughters, Carly, who has Angelman Syndrome. Together, the Jamiesons founded Walk Right In Ministries in 2008, a non-profit organization building faith and community with special needs families.
