A Diagnosis Came — But God.

At just 12 months old, Eric’s language regressed completely. He was no longer speaking, no longer making eye contact, not attuning to his name.

By 15 months, during his Early Steps evaluation, the doctors looked worried. They gave us a guarded prognosis. His cognitive score was low. They explained that because he wasn’t yet speaking, they couldn’t fully understand what he knew, but the score showed very low comprehension.

So we cried.

At 18 months, the diagnosis came: Autism.

We cried some more. A lot more.

How can this be? What does it mean?

The years blurred together—speech therapy three times a week, 25 hours of ABA therapy, countless car rides sobbing to “Trust in You” by Lauren Daigle. I would pray through those tears, holding onto those lyrics from the deepest part of my soul:

Lord I will trust in You no matter what tomorrow brings. I lay down each of my dreams at Your feet. Even if You don’t part the waters, even if You don’t move the mountain, I will trust.

And so, the years continued.

From 18 months to 3 years old, Eric attended a school with a special model called “Reverse Mainstream” education, where children with special needs learn alongside “typical” children as role models. When he aged out of Early Steps, we wanted to keep him at that school, but they didn’t extend an invitation. They felt he wasn’t “typical” enough.

But God.

So he had to attend a different school, one we didn’t love. Yet God, in His kindness, placed a life-giving teacher in Eric’s path. That little boy—who wasn’t deemed “typical enough” and wasn’t yet fluent in speech—began to read at age 3.

God was with him every step of the way.

By Kindergarten he was “mainstreamed” which means, attended regular classes with his peers. By age 6, he no longer met educational criteria to have an IEP (special needs support) in place. He was excelling.

At the start of his 2nd grade year (during those crazy COVID days), the Lord placed on our hearts to homeschool. With trembling hands but believing hearts, we stepped in obedience. I held my breath that entire year, questioning if I was doing enough.

Since it was my first year homeschooling, I wanted to have a clear picture of what we had accomplished. So, at the end of the year, we took him to a psychologist for a psychoeducational evaluation. This helped us better understand his learning style, strengths, and weaknesses, so I could tailor my teaching to meet his needs more effectively.

And once again, there was feedback on his cognition.

You see, Eric scored well. But not just well, gifted—high IQ, high scores.

But God.

Now, I don’t lean too heavily on these metrics, but I’m so grateful that God used a similar metric to remind us of His sovereignty. He shattered the lie Satan tried to whisper early on—that Eric’s diagnosis defined his future.

God’s plans for our lives are good, whether we see it immediately or many years down the line.

After three years of homeschooling, Eric returned to school for 5th grade. For God’s glory, he excelled. He made great friends, is social, funny, and totally himself. This year, he received awards for Academic Excellence (had A’s all year!), Bible Scholar, Reading, and Character. And best of all? He has requested to be homeschooled again next year.

This is God.

Only He could do this.

We cheer loudly and proudly for Eric—and for all our kids—because every victory, every battle, is a sweet reminder of His goodness.

So, we want to encourage you. I don’t know what’s been spoken over your life or your children’s, but the devil is a liar. Trust in God, and wait to see what only He can do.

Because of Eric’s testimony, we can confidently keep our peace as we continue this journey. I am excited to see what else God has in store—for him, for us, for you!

And especially for our youngest son, Evan. He was diagnosed with hearing loss shortly after birth. But we’ve been here before, and all we can say is—BUT GOD.

Psalm 34:8: “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.”

Reflection Corner

• What lies has the enemy spoken over your life, or over someone you love?

• Are there any circumstances that feel final to you—but maybe God is just getting started?

• What “But God” moments have you witnessed in your story?

  
  

Practical Takeaways

• When doubt creeps in, remind yourself of God’s past faithfulness—especially the "But God" moments.

• Speak truth out loud over your children and your circumstances. God's Word is more powerful than the loudest lie.

• Play a worship song that reminds you of who God is in your hardest moments. Let it anchor you—just like “Trust in You” did for me.

Shalom & Grace,

Lis