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Emmanuel is Enough
134 Plays14 days ago
In this episode of Raising Autistic Disciples, we explore the powerful truth that "Emmanuel"—God with us—is enough for every season of parenting. Whether you're navigating meltdowns, advocating for your child, or simply feeling overwhelmed by the weight of it all, this episode offers biblical encouragement and practical insights to remind you that God's presence is sufficient.
Join Larah as she unpacks how trusting in Emmanuel equips us to embrace both the challenges and joys of raising autistic disciples, leaning on His strength instead of our own. Tune in and be encouraged—you’re not in this alone!
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Transcript
Introduction and Theme Setting
00:00:02
Speaker
Hi there and welcome back to the Raising Autistic Disciples podcast. My name is Lara Roberts and Merry Christmas. The Christmas season is here and I hope you are preparing for how to help teach your autistic disciple to know and love God forever through the Christmas season of celebrating Jesus' coming and birth.
Parent Reflection for Christmas
00:00:26
Speaker
But what I want to do is wherever you are you are right now, whether that's your driving list in this podcast, you may be on a walk or in your home washing dishes or wherever you may be, um I just want to read something that I wrote to you to maybe help frame our hearts and minds around
00:00:44
Speaker
the Christmas season and what it means for us as parents raising autistic kids. And what I want to tell you today is Emmanuel is enough. And what I love about God's name, Emmanuel, it means God with us. And friend, Emmanuel is essential. And here's why.
Challenges of Parenting During Holidays
00:01:08
Speaker
As a Christian parent raising an autistic child, there are days when life feels overwhelming.
00:01:15
Speaker
There are therapy appointments, the meltdowns, the stairs in public, the endless advocacy can drain you to the core. And especially around the holidays and the the rhythm upsets and the schedule changes can really take a toll on us as we help our autistic kids navigate this change. You may wonder if anyone truly understands the weight that you carry or the exhaustion you feel, but there is one who does.
00:01:43
Speaker
His name is Emmanuel, God with us. For parents like us raising autistic kids, this truth is life changing. It's the anchor we cling to when everything else feels chaotic. Emmanuel reminds us of three profound truths that make him essential in our journey as parents raising autistic children. And here's the first one. He is with you in the overwhelm.
00:02:11
Speaker
When the disciples faced a storm on the Sea of Galilee, Jesus didn't immediately stop the storm. Instead, He stepped into the boat and calmed their fears. We find this in Mark 4. Emmanuel, God with us, doesn't promise to eliminate every challenge we face, but He promises to be present with us in every trial and storm.
00:02:37
Speaker
As parents, when we feel like we're just sinking, whether that's navigating an IEP meeting or comforting a child in a sensory overload moment, God with us, Emmanuel, whispers, I'm with you. His presence is our peace in the storm, reminding us that we are never alone.
Emmanuel's Understanding and Redemption
00:02:58
Speaker
The second thing, He knows your child perfectly.
00:03:02
Speaker
Our children are fearfully and wonderfully made, created in the image of God, Psalm 139 tells us. But as parents, we sometimes wrestle with the question, why is this so hard? Does anyone understand my child the way I do? Emmanuel, God with us, answers, I do.
00:03:27
Speaker
Jesus, who walked among us, understands every strength and struggle your child carries. He sees their quirks and he sees their gifts. He knows the moments of breakthrough that make your heart swell with joy as a parent, and he knows the hidden battles that they fight within that no one else can see. When others misunderstand your child, Emmanuel, God with us, reminds us that he knows them fully and loves them deeply. He doesn't just see who they are, he sees who he created them to be because he is their creator, Emmanuel, God with us. Number three, he redeems every hard moment. Parenting a child with unique needs often feels like we're walking a road paved with both beauty and brokenness.
00:04:20
Speaker
It's easy to focus on the challenges and wonder if God is really working in the midst of it all. God's name, Emmanuel, God with us, assures us that nothing is wasted. Just like his other name, Redeemer, he can and will redeem every tear, every sleepless night, and every moment of doubt in your parenting journey. God is at work, friend, not just in your child's life, but in your own heart, too.
00:04:49
Speaker
Though the challenges are hard, he is shaping you into someone who reflects himself, his love, his patience, his grace more deeply. Your faithfulness in this journey is a powerful testimony to God with us, Emmanuel, who walks with us every step of the way.
Strength, Hope, and Community Support
00:05:10
Speaker
So I'm here to tell you today, Emmanuel is enough.
00:05:16
Speaker
in the day-to-day struggles of raising an autistic child, we can lose sight of this beautiful truth. God doesn't ask us to carry this load on our own. Immanuel, God with us, invites us to rest in Him, to let His presence strengthen us for the road ahead. So when you're overwhelmed, remind yourself of these words found in Matthew 11.28 that Jesus said, come to me.
00:05:41
Speaker
all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Emmanuel isn't just a name that we sing about at Christmas. He's the God who is with you in every therapy session, in every meltdown, in every tender moment of connection with your child. This is why Emmanuel is essential because the one who is with us is also for us. And in Him, you have everything you need for life and godliness. Let Emmanuel, God with us, let His presence be your strength and your hope as you navigate this journey. He is with you and that changes everything. Now, let's move into application. How can we live this out?
00:06:28
Speaker
Let this truth sink into your heart today. Commit to inviting the Lord God, Emmanuel God with us, into the challenges of your parenting journey. Take time to pray today, not just for your child, but with them too. Read scripture aloud during the moments of of calm, planting seeds of truth in their hearts. Ask God to show you His presence in the mundane moments, during the car rides to therapy, during the middle of the meltdowns, as you tuck your child into bed.
00:06:58
Speaker
Look for glimpses of grace. No matter how small they are, let them remind you that He is with you. Connect with others walking the same journey. Community is a tangible expression of God's presence. So find a Bible study happening in your area at your church. When we encourage each other and pray for one another, we're reminded that God uses His people and His church to reveal Himself in and out of heart in good seasons. And finally, friend, fix your eyes on eternity. This life is not the end of the story. As hard as it can be sometimes, our struggles, our temporary praise God, but the glory awaiting us for those who profess faith in Christ is God's eternal kingdom. Amen.
Living in Emmanuel's Reality
00:07:52
Speaker
So wherever you are today, if you're driving, don't do this. But if you're if you're not driving, close your eyes for a second and let me just read these passages over us from Scripture. Isaiah 41.10 says, Fear not, I am with you. Be not dismayed. I am the Lord your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Psalm 34.18, The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
00:08:22
Speaker
Lamentations 3, 22 through 23. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness, Lord. And Romans 8, 31 through 39. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
00:08:49
Speaker
He who did not spare his own son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died and furthermore is risen. Who is even at the right hand of God? Who also makes intercession for us?
00:09:15
Speaker
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ, shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or neckiness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, for your sake we are killed all the day long, we are accounted asleep for the slaughter. Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
00:09:44
Speaker
nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen. Praise be to God for His word.
00:10:03
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Emmanuel, God with us isn't just a truth for us to know, it's a reality for us to live in. Lean into Him today during this Christmas season, friend, and find strength and peace and hope for every step of our journey as we raise autistic