Below are Nicole's thoughts on Chapter 10 of The Power of A Praying Parent by Stormie Omartian. Please know that what we all learn from a study is usually different. Feel free to leave what you've learned in the comment section below this post.

Chapter 10,Being The Person God Created, was difficult for me to read. I trust God and know that He knows what is best for my son. However, I don't feel like autism could be a part of His plan. Or could it? I believe that our God can take something difficult, hard and hopeless and give it a whole new meaning. I think back to how many lives my son has touched. Therapists, friends, family, even complete strangers. Could he have done the same without autism? I don't think it's our job to find the answers to these questions. I believe it's our job to have faith in God and trust in Him.

Below are the points that Stormie made that meant the most to me...
* We become the person that God created us to be when we ask God for guidance and then do what He tells us to do. p. 82
* One of the devil's plans for young people is to get them to compare themselves with others, judge themselves as deficient, and then seek to be someone they were not created to be. p. 82
* This day after day comparing and falling short can attack the true identity of a child. p. 82

As parents of children with autism, it is very difficult for us not to compare our children. It is hard to look at other children, see what they are doing and then look at our own and try to make them do it as well. I think it's very important that we help our children and strive to make them the best they can be. However, I also think it's just as important to help them be the children that God created them to be. Their personalities, their spirits, their loving nature. We need to pray and protect them from losing who they truly are. Therapy is a must with our children. Whether it's occupational therapy, speech therapy or ABA, this is what our children need. However, I'm sure they feel overwhelmed at times. We, as their parents, need to protect them in prayer that God will help show us how we can help our children stay who God created them to be while helping them strive to be the best they can be.

Lord,
I lift up all of our children with autism. I pray that you will show us and them who you need them to be. I pray that you will help us find ways to bring out the best in them and to protect them from the enemy. Help us raise them into the person you created them to be.
Amen

Bible Verses
You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. -1 Peter 2:9

Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. -1 Corinthians 2:9

Be even more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble. - 2 Peter 1:10

We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. - Romans 8:28-30

Arise, shine; for your light has come! and the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. -Isaiah 60:1