He who began a good work…

“…I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”  (Philippians 1:6)

Dearest Mackenna (and all of her fellow type 1 fighters), 

I am sure of this.  I am sure that you would have chosen a different story line.  I am sure that your family would have written it much differently.  But I am sure of this: that He began a good work in you the moment you began.

“For You formed my inward parts; You knitted me together in my  mother’s womb.” (Psalm 139:13)

A good work.  GOOD work.  Your unique personality, your special talents, your recognizable features….and your type 1 diabetes.  Good.  All of it.  Because He is good.  And He doesn’t make mistakes.  You having type 1 diabetes isn’t a mistake; it’s not an accident.  It was no surprise to the One who created you.  He knew it would be a part of your story before we ever saw your sweet face.  And you having type 1 diabetes doesn’t mean He doesn’t love you to pieces.  Because He does.  He loves you more than I ever could.  His love for you is limitless, deep and wide, and beyond understanding.

“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge.”  (Ephesians 3:17-18)

His love surpasses knowledge.  It’s hard to know how He could love you so much and still choose for you to endure this disease.  But He does, and He did.  Only He knows the rest of your story and therefore, only He knows how to love you best.  I am sure that He knew your strength and courage before we did.  He knew you’d be able to handle this because He gave you that strength and courage.  And He knew that in the times when you feel like you can’t handle it, you’ll lean on Him to pull you through the rough patches.  Because that’s what He does.  He is faithful and mighty, and delights in the moments when you ask Him to carry you through rough waters.

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned and the flame shall not consume you.  For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”  (Isaiah 43:2-3)

And just as He has been faithful until now, I am sure that He will continue to do a good work in you until the day He returns.  Because He said that He will.  He has big plans for you, my dear.

“…I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”  (Philippians 1:6)

So while I will continue to educate anyone who will listen to me about type 1 diabetes…and while I will continue to advocate for you, and fund raise for a cure…  While I will set my alarm for the middle of the night and weigh all your fruits and vegetables…  I think the most important role I can play for you is that of an arrow.  An arrow that keeps pointing you back to the Truth.  When things are good, to point you to the One who blesses.  When things are tough, to point you to the One who overcomes.

Love you, Sugar Booger!