A Present Unwrapped
Theme of the Week: Don't Waste Your Suffering
Thursday, August 7, 2008
 1 of 1
Key Bible Verse: You care about the anguish of my soul. … But I am trusting you, O Lord. … My future is in your hands (Psalm 31:7, 14-15). Bonus Reading: Jeremiah 29:4-14
On August 84, 2001, Justice came into the world. I'd excitedly pictured my third son growing up to run around the neighborhood, playing team sports with his brothers. Instead, my world fell apart. Justice, it was quickly confirmed, had Down Syndrome.
The tears my wife and I shed seemed to never end. I cried out to God daily, asking what His purpose could be for this heartbreaking event, asking why He'd saddled us with this heavy burden. I felt so inadequate for raising a child with a disability. I staggered under a crushing load of fear and worry, and felt so alone.
Last year, on Justice's sixth birthday, I reflected on how this little guy has become the love of my life. During that time span, life has thrown severe challenges at me: the loss of a job, financial concerns, other seasons of hardship. The one constant has been the peace and the joy this boy has brought into my life. I discerned that a sovereign God knew, as I faced into these obstacles, that I'd need the piece of heaven that is my Justice.
As the cake was cut and Justice unwrapped his presents, I realized that he himself is the most beautiful present I could ever imagine—and the present is all mine!
—Jay Wollenburg in Ohio
My Response: How has something I once dreaded turned into a blessing for me?
Thought to Apply: We are always on the anvil; by trials God is shaping us for higher things. —Henry Ward Beecher
Copyright © 2008 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.
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Help me not to resist the trials You send my way, Lord, but submit to Your refining touch.
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