WILDCARD - A Prayer for Joyful Monkey

Wednesday's Topic: Diabetes Bloopers

As I apparently have no humor when it comes to Diabetes =), I chose to submit a post for the "Step Outside the Box-Wildcard". This may not be too far outside the box, but it definitely isn't an every day post, so here it is.

My Prayer

to my Heavenly Father,

for my daughter...

Heavenly Father,

You are the Beginning and End. You are all-powerful. Your mercies are new every morning. I see that every morning that Joyful Monkey awakes with a smile. I praise You for all these things, and more. I praise You for being the author and perfecter of our faith (Heb. 12:2).

Father, I confess that I don't often exude the joy that I should. I confess that my attitude does not always reflect You, nor does it glorify You. I confess that I sometimes get upset that Your plan for her life is not what I want it to be. I am so thankful for Your forgiveness.

Thank You for loving us. Thank You for the wisdom to recognize that JM is your workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which you have prepared beforehand so that she would walk in them (Eph. 2:10). While we never saw Diabetes coming, You did. You know all things...past, present, and future. Thank You for the peace You gave us throughout her diagnosis. Thank You that Diabetes doesn't change the path You have set before her. Thank You for the unique opportunity that JM has to be a witness for You to others who may be along this same T1 path of life. Thank You that you have a plan for her to do good works and please you. Like Paul, I am confident of this very thing, that You will continue to perfect that good work you have begun in JM (Phil. 1:6). Thank You for always providing for us and protecting us. THANK YOU FOR HER JOY!

Father, I ask that You give her, and our family, courage in the days to come. Please give us strength and persistence. Diabetes never takes a break, and neither can we. We know that "tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us" (Rom 5:3-5). Please help us to keep this perspective so that we may bring glory to You despite the ugliness of Diabetes. I pray that the perseverance she shows in testing blood sugars, administering insulin to correct highs, treating lows, counting carbs, and the mental exercise of figuring out how all of these things effect each other, would develop a character that reflects Your son Jesus. And in this process, may she continually rely on the hope that she has in You. May she feel the power of Your Holy Spirit within her each and every day.

Father, we ask that You guide the hearts and minds of those who are searching for a cure. We ask for a cure to Diabetes for JM in this lifetime. And whether or not a cure is found in her lifetime, I thank You that she will have a Diabetes-free body someday, whether here in this lifetime, or when she is with You.

Thank You, again, for all the ways You have provided for us and protected us. Please continue to do so, as we know that You are sovereign, and You hold JM in Your hands. May all of these things be done for your glory!

Amen.