Abiding in God’s Presence
How does God’s Word relate to parenting and disabilities? In Abiding in God‘s Presence, Stephanie O. Hubach gives a 31-day devotional on parents and disabilities.
From the start, Hubach says that the goal of her devotional is to turn our focus to Christ. We need to recognize his presence, abide in it, and see that Jesus is always with us and always for us. We have the gifts of his grace that allow us to walk with God as parents of children with special needs.
Created in His Image
The book begins with an emphasis on being created in the image of God. This impacts how we interact with others. We are also reminded that God’s ultimate promise of deliverance proceeds are difficulties. In Genesis 3:15, we remember that Christ has the victory and we can live our lives accordingly.
This concept of deliverance is further reflected on throughout the book. In a stunning passage from John 9:1–3, we see that disability is not punishment. Also, God’s gift of grace is extended to us and we can extend it to others.
Common Issues of Disability
This book helped me understand common issues that come with disability. Oppression and injustice, grief and loss, being misunderstood, and unique temptations can all be brought to the foot of the cross. This book does not hide our struggles, but calls on us to hide ourselves in Christ.
I was most moved when Hubach takes Romans 12:4–6, and shows that we don’t have to struggle to fit in to be long. By being in the family of Christ, we can feel at home. The antidote to isolation is speaking truth in love and focusing on Heaven.
Christ Our Advocate
Theologically, the book stresses our advocate in Christ. This helped open my eyes to see Jesus in a new way. He uniquely cares and has special compassion for those with disabilities.
The book ends with an emphasis on having true hope anchored in Christ. As the Psalmist says, we have to lift up our eyes. We can find a help and a refuge in the one who made us, mends our broken hearts, and makes us new.
I received a media copy of Abiding in God’s Presence and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.