Do You Agree?

"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven." Matthew 18:19

Realizing that the struggle of addiction goes beyond a simple "eat less and exercise more and you'll be thin," I want you to know that I get it. If you're struggling in this area like I am, it's something you want so badly and can't seem to get there. I know in my head what's right, but I continue to make poor choices. I read a quote once that said something to the effect that we abandon what we want most when we give in to what we want right now. I've been asking God to help me in the area of discipline. I truly need it! I want to live a life of moderation. I want to be able to say no to myself and feel satisfied with the decision. It seems so simple to say and yet SO hard to do. I need prayer! I need my Father! I need the Holy Spirit to guide me in each and every moment.

I believe God's Word is truth. I believe what Jesus says in this verse is true - if we (you reading this and me writing this) agree about anything we ask for, it will be done by God the Father in heaven. So, let's ask together, shall we? Let's agree to ask for both of us right now.


Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for Jesus and His salvation. We thank You for His ministry on earth where we read the words that He spoke in truth. We thank You for His dying on the cross and resurrection - death that brings life to us. God, we know that You can raise the dead to life, so we know that nothing is impossible with you. Together, the two of us (reader and writer) ask to be healthy and thin for Your ultimate glory. Please help us lose weight, look great, and give honor to You in the process. Give us discipline, Lord, and help us lead a life of moderation. We can't do it without You, but YOU can do it for us. We believe that You'll grant our request. We need You today. Thank You, God, for your quick answer. In Jesus' Name we pray, AMEN!

Take Heart!

"Jesus turned and saw her. 'Take heart, daughter,' He said, 'your faith has healed you.' And the woman was healed from that moment." Matthew 9:22

Lately, I have been lacking the faith that God can heal me of my addiction. I've gained back all the weight I had lost. Knowing better, I walked right back into the trap of sin, thinking that I could let go of it on my own at any time. I'll admit that I thought I could lose it through nursing or just not eating once I was done being pregnant. And here I am unable to get any ground. A picture of how I'm feeling is bald tires spinning on ice: turning and turning, there's no traction and very little hope.

But, as I've been reading the Bible again, I realize that my hope cannot be in my own ability to be more perfect. Without excuses, I am a sinner in need of forgiveness and life change. I am again at a spot where I must admit defeat and rely on the power of Jesus to save and to heal. Only He can! I get no glory from this situation. I look and feel awful. BUT, I believe that God can save anyone He chooses to. And I believe that He can heal someone instantly if He wants to. And I'm hoping like the woman in this story that I can somehow press through and grab just the tip of His cloak... that through faith in Him alone and His power to heal, I can be restored to who I was meant to be.

I have no hope on my own. My only prayer is for Jesus to rescue me. I know He can. I believe He can. I'm willing to wait and push on. I'm willing to believe that He is the giver of good gifts and that He can make me "healed from that very moment." I invite you to pray with me!

Dear Heavenly Father, You are holy. You are perfect and righteous. I, on the other hand, have sinned greatly before you. The sin I've committed has caused me to look and feel bad. I can't seem to change on my own. So, I'm desperately seeking You. If only I could touch You here where I'm at, I believe You can save me. Truly, You are my only hope! Please, don't let me go unnoticed. Please forgive the terrible sins I've committed. Please keep me from evil. May Your good and gracious will be done in my life. I commit myself to You, in the name of Your glory. Thank You for Your amazing Word and faithfulness. Thank You for bringing life to death and healing us. In Jesus' Name, AMEN!