God Did Not Make a Mistake When He Made You

This article may be controversial in some circles. But I was blessed by a christian doctor recently and I want to share it with you. My journey with ADHD has been long and fraught with challenges and stigmas. For years, I refused to acknowledge my condition, dismissing it as mere psychobabble. However, a recent conversation with my Christian doctor, who also possesses a deep understanding of theology, brought me profound pastoral comfort and a renewed perspective.

My Gracious Doctor

I sat with my doctor crushed by how my ADHD was adversely affecting my marriage. My doctor looked at me with empathy and said: "Bryan, God did not make a mistake when He created you with your brain." These words were a powerful moment of grace for me. They were not new truths, but they were truths applied in a fresh and impactful way. We discussed the psychosomatic union—the concept that the physical part of me affects the inner man, and the inner man affects the physical. The body and soul are interconnected; my soul, where my intellect, will, and affections reside, is uniquely tied to my physical brain.

God's Providence

As a Reformed Christian, I believe in the providence of God, even over the effects of the Fall. This means acknowledging that God's hand is present in everything, from learning of a cancer diagnosis to living with Type 1 Diabetes or a neurodevelopmental disorder like ADHD. Growing up, I believed that ADHD would prevent me from achieving academic success or any endeavor requiring sustained thought. It seemed to destine me for failure, awkwardness, and social exclusion.

However, God's providence has been evident throughout my life. He has shielded me from potential troubles caused by impulsive behaviors and guided me to the military, which instilled in me self-discipline and executive functioning skills I lacked. Most importantly, God rescued me from sin and death by leading me to Christianity. Through His scriptures, I have gained wisdom that has redirected my natural inclinations. He has also placed Christian mentors in my life who have recommended books on Christian disciplines and the fruits of the Spirit.

My Condition - My Blessing

"He knit me together in my mother's womb. I am fearfully and wonderfully made," and I know this full well. My neurodivergence may well be part of the noetic effects of the Fall (sin affects my thinking), but God did not make a mistake when He made me. In His infinite wisdom and providence, God has used my condition to teach me that His grace is sufficient. This 'thorn in my flesh' is a part of His perfect plan.

God is teaching me that He has providentially provided me opportunities for sanctification. There are sins that I need to mortify. There is emotional regulation I need to work on. There are executive functioning issues that I need to work through. There is humility to be learned. There is pride to be repented of. There is dependence I must cultivate. He has good plans for me. He did not make a mistake. He will work this out for my good and His glory.

God did not make a mistake when He made you

I do not know who you are, dear reader, or what challenges you may face, but I want to impart to you the same words of grace that were gifted to me: "God did not make a mistake when He made you." You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Despite the hardships we may endure, there is always hope in God. If you are His child, He cares for you, and His grace is sufficient. As you face any diagnosis or personal challenge, remember that God did not make a mistake when He knit you together, body and soul.