“And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten…” Joel 2:25a
There are a lot of logistical challenges to be found within this “shelter in place” world. Toilet paper is the first that comes to mind, but there are plenty. Having kids home from school for every family I’ve spoken to presents a plethora of challenges. But special needs kids who are home from school and out of their regular routine face more than challenges; they face real, significant loss.
My son Nick has a rare genetic disorder and already in this fairly brief time without school or therapy, he has experienced loss. He has lost some skills and abilities. We have all lost some sleep as the change in routine has caused anxiety to ramp up over these past few weeks. As I contemplated what long-term backsliding would look like and how we would ever be able to make up for the lost time, I remembered a similar story in the Bible.
In Joel, the prophet is telling of a day when the Israelites will soon experience severe loss as the result of a devastating plague! But within the prophecy he instructs them to “Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the Lord will do great things” (Joel 2:21). The interesting wording a few verses down is what got my attention, and what has become my prayer in this season. God doesn’t say He will restore the crops that were destroyed by the plague of locusts, He says he will “restore to you the years…”
Source: Special Needs Parenting- Key Ministry
