In an inspiring story titled “'My artificial pancreas makes running ultra-marathons much easier'” published by the BBC over the weekend, the writer said: Jonty Brown clearly loves running. He regularly competes in ultra-marathons and he says that thanks to new technology which he has been pioneering as a user, the fact he is also a type 1 diabetic has not got in the way of him pursuing his passion.
The 35-year-old, originally from Harrogate, was first diagnosed with the condition when he was 12 and he vividly remembers that initially he found it incredibly hard to control his blood sugar levels. "When I was diagnosed, it was the first thing that went through my mind: that I was going to have to inject myself multiple times a day," he recalls.
"I was on 10 to 15 finger pricks and five or six injections. I actually had a phobia of needles, so it wasn't a good start."However, with what he describes as "amazing support" from hospital staff in Harrogate and from his family, he did learn to manage his diabetes, though he says he found it easier when he was later given an insulin pump and a blood glucose monitor.Then, two years ago, Jonty became one of the first people in the UK to receive what is known technically as a hybrid closed loop system, but which is more commonly referred to as an artificial pancreas.
He explains: "I have a blood glucose monitor which goes on the back of my arm that continuously checks what my blood sugar levels are. "Then, on the back side of my leg I put my insulin pump." The two devices connect and "talk to each other" through a computer programme or app, he says. "It will try and regulate it for me."
Jonty says the technology, which is now being rolled out to more adults and children with type 1 diabetes, has "absolutely" changed his life.
And, you know, while we should all be thankful for new technology that helps us live longer and healthier lives, we should never fail to thank and sing the praises of the One who truly changes lives. This was something the psalmist understood when he said, "Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy, And gathered out of the lands, From the east and from the west, From the north and from the south."
The psalmist went on to list four ways (Psalm 107) the Lord further showed His faithful love and unending mercy to the Israelites. Not only did He deliver them from their Babylonian exile (caused by their own disobedience), but rescued the wanderer, the prisoner, the sick, and the storm-tossed—people He is still rescuing today.
"They wandered in the wilderness in a desolate way; They found no city to dwell in. Hungry and thirsty, Their soul fainted in them. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, And He delivered them out of their distresses. And He led them forth by the right way, That they might go to a city for a dwelling place." - Psalm 107:4-7
To the lost sinner, God showed His love by putting the drifter on the good path and providing for their needs. Because of His mercy, when they cried out, He didn’t leave the vagrants to wander aimlessly but gave them a permanent home.
"Those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, Bound in affliction and irons—Because they rebelled against the words of God, And despised the counsel of the Most High, Therefore He brought down their heart with labor; They fell down, and there was none to help. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, And He saved them out of their distresses. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, And broke their chains in pieces." Psalm 107:10-14
To the one held down by the cords of adversity or imprisoned because of their rebelliousness, God broke their chains in pieces when they cried out to Him. Because of His mercy, the captive didn’t receive the just penalty due them and because of His love, they were saved from their misery and brought out of darkness into marvelous light.
"Fools, because of their transgression, And because of their iniquities, were afflicted. Their soul abhorred all manner of food, And they drew near to the gates of death. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, And He saved them out of their distresses. He sent His word and healed them, And delivered them from their destructions." Psalm 107:17-20
To the one suffering from sickness and affliction, God rescued and redeemed them. Even though their trouble could be traced back to their own foolishness, when they cried out to Him, God's love and mercy freed them from their self-imposed ruin.
"Those who go down to the sea in ships, Who do business on great waters, They see the works of the Lord, And His wonders in the deep. For He commands and raises the stormy wind, Which lifts up the waves of the sea. They mount up to the heavens, They go down again to the depths; Their soul melts because of trouble. They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, And are at their wits’ end. Then they cry out to the Lord in their trouble, And He brings them out of their distresses. He calms the storm, So that its waves are still. Then they are glad because they are quiet; So He guides them to their desired haven." Psalm 107:23-30
To the one who was storm-tossed by the waves and the winds of life, God quieted their fears, stilled their hearts and steered them into a place of serenity. Because of His love and mercy, when they cried out to Him, those who were anxious and restless found peace, tranquility, and comfort.
"Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!"
Thankfully, the same God who delivered the wanderer, the prisoner, the sick, and the storm-tossed in the days of the psalmist is still the same God who delivers all those who are lost, down-trodden, and hurting today. Which is the very reason we are called to "give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!" This was to be the response of every person delivered then (hence the reason it was repeated in the psalm), and is to be the response of every one of us who have been or are being delivered today—knowing that we all have been the wanderer, the prisoner, the sick, and the storm-tossed.
But giving thanks to the Lord is not the end of it my friend. We are to tell our stories! The redeemed of the Lord (that’s us) should "say so" that others might be inspired to seek the Lord and receive the same deliverance that we have received. I don't know about you but Jesus absolutely changed my life so much that I can't help but tell others!
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that You are still in the business of saving lives, restoring peace, and providing abundant joy to all those who call upon your Name. Lord, help us to understand that no one is too far gone to receive the forgiveness and redemption that only You can provide. Help us to grasp that we can become a new creation and have a new life simply by turning from our disobedient ways and turning to You. Thank You for your faithful love and your unending mercy Lord. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!
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