“I didn’t have it in me to be close to God in that moment.” Nisansala Sewwandi found herself at her life’s lowest point when her child was diagnosed with a life-changing disability. Nisansala, a resident of Sri Lanka, believed she would never get married because she was unable to bear children. To her surprise, she met a man who was ready to face this a challenge with her.
After a few months of being married, their life turned around, Nisansala conceived! They were overjoyed with this miracle. When her daughter was about eleven months old, the doctors shared news that would stop any mother in her tracks. “I was told my daughter would never walk, and she would suffer from various illnesses throughout her life and be a slow learner,” Nisansala said, looking back at the moment her heart shattered.
Nisansala was unable to be strong and connect with God after hearing this news. But God did not let go of her. Her family kept her going, and one day a lady came up to Nisansala and told her that she was blessed with this child because she had the faith and ability to take care of her. Psalm 127:3 compelled her to see the light in this situation ‘Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.’
Nisansala was held up by her husband who continually prayer for her, and her family and church who kept encouraging her to go on with hope. She sent her daughter to play school and school just like other children. Nisansala also helped her with her school work and enrolled her in swimming classes. To her joy, Nisansala observed that her daughter was learning well and her memory was improving as well. The only thing her daughter still struggles with is being able to walk by herself. “I told my daughter that her legs were a blessing from God,” Nisansala said with a smile. Today, her 7-year-old daughter can sing and dance and lives a relatively normal life. Nisansala and her husband have been blessed with a baby boy as well. As a family, they continue to pray and thank God for everything He has blessed them with.
