At the end of 2018, our 3-year-old son received his autism spectrum diagnosis. We expected it, but it was still an emotional day.
Interestingly, the very next day was just as emotional. Our church hosted a guest pastor from Bethel Church in California. Before he gave his sermon, he explained how they started this continuing corporate prayer for people on the autism spectrum (and other like conditions). He shared testimonies from people who have loved ones on the spectrum, and how after the congregation prayed over them, they miraculously improved by great amounts. He then asked people who knew others with autism to stand. So my family and I stood with hearts pounding and tears pouring. Come to find out, three other people who know our son stood for him as well (I love my church). Then, he led our congregation in prayer for those beautiful souls. God’s timing is impeccable, isn’t it?
My sister asked me if I was going to write about it on my blog. I told myself that I likely would, but only once he is healed. So it would be more of a testimonial piece. God had different plans though.
We HAVE noticed a change in our son since then. His inconsolable moments are becoming shorter and less frequent, and I’ve seen a more jubilant side of him start to come to the surface. He has always had one of those infectious smiles, but now he is shining more differently and more brightly—it’s hard to describe.
He still has hard days. And on those days, I pray somewhat angrily: “I know You hear his cry—why aren’t You helping him?! How can You watch this and let it happen? Don’t You know he will do great things for You?”
But then God reminded me that miracles don’t always happen in a day. Sometimes they take TIME. I know He CAN do a miracle instantaneously, but there must be a reason why this is a gradual process.
Sometime after that church service, I came across a relatively short story in the book of Exodus about Moses. After Moses led the people of Israel across the Red Sea, there was a battle:
“8 Then Amalek came and fought with Israel at Rephidim. 9 So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose for us men, and go out and fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.” 10 So Joshua did as Moses told him, and fought with Amalek, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. 11 Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed. 12 But Moses’ hands grew weary, so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it, while Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side. So his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. 13 And Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the sword.”
Exodus 17:8-13 (ESV)
In the weeks that followed, I kept recalling that story and wondering why. Was God trying to tell me something?
God could’ve made it so that just one short lift of Moses’ staff would allow Israel to prevail (or no lift at all). But He decided that in order for the miracle to take place and the battle to be won, Moses would have to keep his arms lifted for the entire battle—something Moses couldn’t do on his own. God made it so that Moses NEEDED others for His miracle to happen and continue.
I think God loves to do miracles, but rather than just do them on His own all the time, maybe He likes to somehow use the miracles to bring people together, too. Like with Moses, maybe He wants us to come together first in order for the miracle to be carried out (by Him).
I pray everyday for a miracle in my son, but I need your help. Whether you have big faith, small faith, or something in between, I’m asking you to say a prayer for my son.
The Lord also put it on my heart for this to be not just a request for prayer from me, but a call for prayer for others, too. If you know someone on the autism spectrum and want him/her to be included in this prayer, please comment on this Facebook post with his/her name (first name is fine). And I will pray for each one of them fervently, just as I do for my son.
If you’re at a loss for words for the prayer, I’ve included one below, but certainly feel free to pray your own prayer.
Heavenly Father,
We come before You now to humbly ask that You lay Your healing hand on your children who are on the autism spectrum. We love them just as they are, and we thank You for them, and for what You’ve shown us through them. They see the world in a different way. By being a part of their lives, we’ve learned more about how to love unconditionally. Each one of them is a gift from You.
But along with these gifts to us comes suffering and less functioning for them. Father, we know you hear them cry in desperation, frustration, and fear. And we know it breaks Your heart, too. Father, we pray that you provide healing to them in a way that will give them ABOUNDING PEACE, and that will allow them to fully function in the way you designed us to function. Every single name written below—we lay them at your feet and ask for a miracle in each one. Have mercy on these beloved souls.
In Jesus’ Holy name, Amen.
Purple Petunia 