Blessed Diagnosis [CHOOSING JOY by Katie Albers]

Lately I received news from my doctor that I would need to start monitoring my blood sugar.   I am presently pregnant with our third child and just as with my previous two pregnancies, I have tested positive for gestational diabetes.  For the remainder of my pregnancy I will have to prick my finger four times a day and record my glucose levels.

I anticipated this diagnosis even though I was 30 pounds lighter at the beginning of this pregnancy than I was with the other two, but I must admit that I was disappointed to hear the news.  For a couple days after that phone call I was mopey and glum, feeling sorry for myself.

In my Bible, I have underlined and even rewritten in the margin 2 Corinthians 10:5.

“we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (NIV)

This is the secret to choosing joy in every situation.  When I take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ, there is no feeling sorry for myself.  The power of God gives us the ability to see the bright side of every situation, to be thankful in every setback, and to persevere despite disappointments.

When I step back and think about this situation with a God-centered focus, I realize that I am so fortunate to have the knowledge of this condition so that I can protect my new baby and my own health during this precious time.  I realize that monitoring my blood sugar is excellent accountability for me to be able to watch my weight gain and food choices.  I realize that God is drawing me closer to Him during this time of uncertainty when I might otherwise have tried to rely on myself.

What blessings abound!  Praise God for my gestational diabetes!