WHY DOES GOD…?”

My family and close friends personally know my grown son who has autism. Many well meaning people over the years have asked this pretty profound question of me as a minister and that is, “Why does God create people with special needs such as low functioning Down syndrome or Autism if they are supposed to have a purpose to worship, work, and live for His glory, and they can’t do that in the way that others can?”
This is an important issue that touches on the meaning of life, suffering, and God’s purpose for every individual regardless of their abilities. the Bible tells us that every person, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). This means that every human being holds inherent value, dignity, and purpose. While people with special needs may not express worship in the same ways others do, their lives can, and do, glorify God. Psalm 139:13-14 beautifully illustrates this by declaring,” For You created my innermost being, knitting me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
Every life is crafted by God with intentionality.
People ask, “Why does God allow suffering”
Suffering, while very difficult, can serve a greater purpose in God’s redemptive plan. Romans 5:3-4 explains, “We rejoice in our suffering, knowing that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
The story of our Lord Jesus underscores this truth. Through His suffering and crucifixion, humanity received the ultimate gift of redemption. In the same way, God will can the challenges of caring for or living with a person with special needs to develop compassion, patience, and love for others. Suffering, though painful, has the potential to draw people closer to God and transform them spiritually.
There is an intrinsic value of people with special needs. Society often fails to recognize their worth, in espousing views that seek to eliminate this “problem” by abortion or other means. However, Christian teaching affirms their unique and irreplacable contribution to the world. People with Down syndrome, Autism, and similar conditions often display unique and profound love, innocence and joy…qualities that can teach those around them to be more selfless and compassionate. James 1:27 calls believers to care for the vulnerable, and look after orphans and widows in their distress. This reflects God’s heart for all people, especially those who are often marginalized and overlooked.
Ultimately, questions of suffering and the purpose of every life invite us to trust in our good, merciful, gracious, and loving Heavenly Father. Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts; neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”
Dear one, if you too are living with and raising a precious loved one with special needs, let me close with this thought…
While we may not have all the answers, we can have faith that God’s plans are purposeful, even when they are difficult to understand, and so, “we’re leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.”
God chose you, dear friend, and trusts you with this precious life He has entrusted into your loving care. You are special and our Lord will be with you to guide and strengthen you every step of the way in this amazing journey. I love you in the Lord.