BY HEATHER DERIX, GUEST BLOGGER
I so vividly remember the day our world changed. I was in fourth grade, and I was pulled out of class to be told that my five-year-old sister had been rushed to the hospital. She was very sick. It wasn’t until later that I would be told that she had been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.
With that diagnosis came so many emotions and questions for me and my family to process. Among the most pressing was the feeling of sheer uncertainty.
- What will this mean for my sister to grow up with this disease?
- What will this mean for my parents to walk through uncharted territory?
- What happens if things get worse before they get better?
- Will my sister ever lead a “normal” life?
As someone who has tried to plan every detail of my life since my earliest years, this uncertainty felt absolutely crushing. I longed to have answers to all these questions and to be able to predict what the life of my sister, and the rest of my family, would look like for the long term. That day changed so much.
The weeks and months after my sister’s diagnosis would bring much uncertainty. If I’m being honest, even today I struggle with uncertainty regarding how diabetes will impact my sister in her adult life (for example, family planning, potential future illness, etc.). Sometimes it’s so hard to have trust in these moments. However, I am encouraged and steadied by the words of a steadfast and loving God.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:6
We don’t have to know all of the answers to all of our questions. That’s the reality of the situation we live in. We don’t have to have all the answers up front. God’s Word encourages us in that. And He will not leave us to figure it out all alone.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4: 6-7
While I can’t see the future God has planned for my sister, He can. I am comforted by knowing that, and also by remembering that He has a plan and a purpose for her life – and for the lives of others touched by diabetes. This disease not only impacts the lives of those who live with it personally, but also those friends or family members who support these warriors. It is important for those support people to take time to seek out God in certain and uncertain times as well.
As you consider this today, how would you say you handle uncertainty?
Are you a planner who struggles with the unknown? If so, how can you pray for God’s help in those times?
God, You are strong, steadfast, and true. You knit us together and You place us where we need to be in Your perfect timing. While diabetes brings with it such uncertainty at times, we can cling to the promises You have made. We need the comfort and reassurance only You can bring. Bring us peace, God, and remind us of Your never-ending love. Amen.
For Additional Reading: Psalm 56:3, Isaiah 26:3, John 16:33
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Heather is the older sister to a type 1 diabetes warrior. She has other ties to the diabetes community as well, as her mother and maternal grandfather both have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. When not serving the child and adolescent population as a Clinical Psychologist, Heather finds great joy in spending time with her friends, extended family members, husband, two precious children, and fluffy pup. She also enjoys serving in the nursery at her church, crafting, and party planning.
