"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33
There are times that I get too caught up in focusing on losing weight. I find myself spending more time counting calories and planning when I'll exercise than praying, worshipping and reading God's Word. The Bible tells us to seek FIRST His kingdom and righteousness. Not, seek first whatever our passionate pursuit is at the time and then do church when we can squeeze it in. Earlier in this chapter, we learn we're not supposed to worry about what we'll eat or wear, but God knows our needs. Instead, we're to focus on Him and He will provide for us. So, my goal today is to think more about the Lord than anything, to seek His righteousness, and allow Him to provide the things I need (like a healthier body). And, praise God, He is the one who is able to give me what I truly need!!!
Dear Lord, please help us to put You first in all things. May we seek You first, and I ask that You will provide the things we need, including healthy food to eat and the motivation to keep on the right track for Your ultimate glory. In Jesus' name, AMEN!
Monday, September 7, 2009
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Permissible, But Beneficial?
"'Everything is permissible for me'—but not everything is beneficial. 'Everything is permissible for me'—but I will not be mastered by anything. 'Food for the stomach and the stomach for food'—but God will destroy them both. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body." 1 Corinthians 6:12-13
What stood out to me the first time I read these verses is the phrase "I will not be mastered by anything." There are times that I feel helpless in this struggle, I will admit. I heard once - and I'm thinking maybe it was Dr. Phil who said it - that an addiction to food is one of the hardest things in life because we can't just quit eating altogether. Alcoholics and drug users can say 'never again' but overeaters have to learn a life of moderation - we HAVE to eat.
I've tried several diets. From "lose ten pounds in ten days" to the "South Beach Diet" to the "cabbage soup diet," I've been there, done that. And I've lost some each time...only to gain it back when I quit. Each time I've wondered, is this what I should be eating? Or should I be cutting out that? I lost the most on the South Beach Diet, but it's next to impossible for me to cut carbs completely out of my diet. No fruit, no bread, no sweets, no potatoes and no pasta = cranky me (after awhile). Then during my study on the book of Daniel, I saw that he RESOLVED not to DEFILE himself by eating the king's royal food - he chose to eat only fruits and vegetables (see Daniel chapter one). So, I wondered should I not be eating meat, which is the opposite of the South Beach plan. Then I saw these verses and remembered the old saying "all things in moderation."
All things are permissible for us. BUT all things are not beneficial. So, it's important to ask ourselves (and the Holy Spirit), is this benefitting me when I eat it? Is there something beneficial about ingesting what I'm about to eat? There are many times I have to say no, other than to satisfy a craving. And I must not be mastered by anything. If I know it's not beneficial and I'm about to eat it, am I mastered by it? Can I say no and be okay? Can I say no to eating something and not be cranky? If there is a benefit in eating it, then I think by all means we should and not feel guilty.
While I know these verses are talking about sexual immorality, I've seen a few times in the Bible where sexual temptation and food indulgences seem to go hand-in-hand (maybe so husbands and wives can feel together in their quest to rid themselves of impurity in their lives...who knows?). This does talk about food, our stomachs and the fact that our body is meant for the Lord. And I want my body to be the best that it can be as an offering to my Savior, who has offered His body for me. Later on in this chapter, the Word says "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body" 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. We were bought at a price - let's honor God with our bodies today!
Dear Heavenly Father, first of all, once again I'm reminded of the price you paid for us, and I can't thank you enough! I understand that while all things are permissible for us to eat, not everything is beneficial. So, help us to make wise choices and honor you with our bodies. Please give us moderation and may You be glorified in all we say and do. In Jesus' name, AMEN!
What stood out to me the first time I read these verses is the phrase "I will not be mastered by anything." There are times that I feel helpless in this struggle, I will admit. I heard once - and I'm thinking maybe it was Dr. Phil who said it - that an addiction to food is one of the hardest things in life because we can't just quit eating altogether. Alcoholics and drug users can say 'never again' but overeaters have to learn a life of moderation - we HAVE to eat.
I've tried several diets. From "lose ten pounds in ten days" to the "South Beach Diet" to the "cabbage soup diet," I've been there, done that. And I've lost some each time...only to gain it back when I quit. Each time I've wondered, is this what I should be eating? Or should I be cutting out that? I lost the most on the South Beach Diet, but it's next to impossible for me to cut carbs completely out of my diet. No fruit, no bread, no sweets, no potatoes and no pasta = cranky me (after awhile). Then during my study on the book of Daniel, I saw that he RESOLVED not to DEFILE himself by eating the king's royal food - he chose to eat only fruits and vegetables (see Daniel chapter one). So, I wondered should I not be eating meat, which is the opposite of the South Beach plan. Then I saw these verses and remembered the old saying "all things in moderation."
All things are permissible for us. BUT all things are not beneficial. So, it's important to ask ourselves (and the Holy Spirit), is this benefitting me when I eat it? Is there something beneficial about ingesting what I'm about to eat? There are many times I have to say no, other than to satisfy a craving. And I must not be mastered by anything. If I know it's not beneficial and I'm about to eat it, am I mastered by it? Can I say no and be okay? Can I say no to eating something and not be cranky? If there is a benefit in eating it, then I think by all means we should and not feel guilty.
While I know these verses are talking about sexual immorality, I've seen a few times in the Bible where sexual temptation and food indulgences seem to go hand-in-hand (maybe so husbands and wives can feel together in their quest to rid themselves of impurity in their lives...who knows?). This does talk about food, our stomachs and the fact that our body is meant for the Lord. And I want my body to be the best that it can be as an offering to my Savior, who has offered His body for me. Later on in this chapter, the Word says "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body" 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. We were bought at a price - let's honor God with our bodies today!
Dear Heavenly Father, first of all, once again I'm reminded of the price you paid for us, and I can't thank you enough! I understand that while all things are permissible for us to eat, not everything is beneficial. So, help us to make wise choices and honor you with our bodies. Please give us moderation and may You be glorified in all we say and do. In Jesus' name, AMEN!
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Weighed & Found Wanting
"Tekel: You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting." Daniel 5:27
Daniel Chapter 5 starts with the heading "The Writing on the Wall." We use this expression today to mean something is obvious, and the irony makes me smile. If you're unfamiliar with Daniel 5, I included a link so you could read it in context. In a nutshell, an ungodly Babylonian king was holding a feast and, in his drunken state, ordered that goblets taken from God's holy temple in Jerusalem be brought in for him to drink out of, along with his wives and concubines. Then they praised various gods other than the Lord.
In her study of Daniel, Beth Moore pointed out that these goblets had been sanctified and consecrated as holy to the Lord for use in His temple and then stolen by Babylon. Up until this point, they had just been in storage, but this arrogant king decided to use God's holy vessels to toast an unholy object, a created god.
Next, we see in this chapter that a hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall "Mene, Mene, Tekel, Parsan." The king was terrified and no one could interpret the inscription, except for Daniel, a devout follower of God who had been given wisdom (see Daniel 2:21). Daniel foretold the king's death and the takeover of his kingdom.
In the Bible study, we learned that using our holy vessels for unholy purposes ends in destruction and displeases God. Our bodies are meant to be holy vessels, consecrated to the Lord. Therefore, we need to take care to what we celebrate or worship with them. I'll admit that there are times that I've put more emphasis on what I'm planning on eating that day than I've put on honoring God with my body. I've had to repent and ask for God's grace in redirecting my thoughts and ways.
I love how God puts little reminders in His Bible that He hears you and your prayers. The verse "Tekel: Weighed on the Scales and Found Wanting" literally jumped off the page at me like it was in highlighting. God knows our struggle; He sees when we step on that scale in the morning; and He knows that we have been found wanting... He is our refuge and our strength. May we use our holy vessels for holy purposes today!
Dear God, we have been weighed on the scale and found wanting. We confess that we have used our holy vessels to "toast" unholy things and we're sorry. We ask for your forgiveness and your help in using our vessels for your glory, that we may be consecrated and set apart for you. Help us today in this struggle to lose weight. In Jesus' name, AMEN!
Daniel Chapter 5 starts with the heading "The Writing on the Wall." We use this expression today to mean something is obvious, and the irony makes me smile. If you're unfamiliar with Daniel 5, I included a link so you could read it in context. In a nutshell, an ungodly Babylonian king was holding a feast and, in his drunken state, ordered that goblets taken from God's holy temple in Jerusalem be brought in for him to drink out of, along with his wives and concubines. Then they praised various gods other than the Lord.
In her study of Daniel, Beth Moore pointed out that these goblets had been sanctified and consecrated as holy to the Lord for use in His temple and then stolen by Babylon. Up until this point, they had just been in storage, but this arrogant king decided to use God's holy vessels to toast an unholy object, a created god.
Next, we see in this chapter that a hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall "Mene, Mene, Tekel, Parsan." The king was terrified and no one could interpret the inscription, except for Daniel, a devout follower of God who had been given wisdom (see Daniel 2:21). Daniel foretold the king's death and the takeover of his kingdom.
In the Bible study, we learned that using our holy vessels for unholy purposes ends in destruction and displeases God. Our bodies are meant to be holy vessels, consecrated to the Lord. Therefore, we need to take care to what we celebrate or worship with them. I'll admit that there are times that I've put more emphasis on what I'm planning on eating that day than I've put on honoring God with my body. I've had to repent and ask for God's grace in redirecting my thoughts and ways.
I love how God puts little reminders in His Bible that He hears you and your prayers. The verse "Tekel: Weighed on the Scales and Found Wanting" literally jumped off the page at me like it was in highlighting. God knows our struggle; He sees when we step on that scale in the morning; and He knows that we have been found wanting... He is our refuge and our strength. May we use our holy vessels for holy purposes today!
Dear God, we have been weighed on the scale and found wanting. We confess that we have used our holy vessels to "toast" unholy things and we're sorry. We ask for your forgiveness and your help in using our vessels for your glory, that we may be consecrated and set apart for you. Help us today in this struggle to lose weight. In Jesus' name, AMEN!
Friday, September 4, 2009
Just Ask
"And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it." John 14:13-14
Anyone who knows me well knows that for a long time now, I've ended my prayers with "please make us healthy and thin and financially well off." I've gotten all sorts of comments and snickers, some asking for me to pray it for them as well to others (like my mom) saying that God only helps those who help themselves, which I don't think is true. I believe fully in amazing grace. God has the ability to bless us in any way He sees fit - He's God. But, one thing He requires is that we ask. I think the reason He wants us to ask Him is so that we learn to rely on Him and also praise Him for the answer. After all, God alone deserves the glory for answered prayer.
Sometimes if we think that we've done something on our own, we forget to praise the Lord for it. However, if we have come to the end of ourselves and bow face first on the ground humbly asking for the Lord's help in the name of Jesus, the Lord tells us that He will do it...so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. My prayer is that everyone who reads this blog would be bringing glory to God through their bodies and this journey of weight loss.
It absolutely excites me to think that the work is God's to do. I can't tell you what a relief that gives me - no more stressing about meals and exercise plans. God is going to change my body for His glory. And, what I've found to be personally true is that He can change my heart, my desires, my yearnings and even my life around. He has provided motivation, a way out, a new way of life. He has started the process of answering the prayer. While I'd rather be thin overnight, I think our God is one who enjoys the process of coming alongside us to encourage us, strengthen us and help us. He is all about our relationship with Him. So, lean on Him today. Let Him guide you, and most of all, I pray that you'll ask in expectancy, believing He can make this change for you! After all, John 16:24 tells us "Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete."
Dear Heavenly Father, we humbly come before you today and ask, in the name of Jesus', to have healthy bodies, thin bodies, bodies that glorify You through Your amazing Son. Lord, we believe it's Your will for us to be healthy, so we're asking for Your help today. Perform a miracle in our lives before the eyes of everyone in our sphere of influence and may we not forget to sing Your praise to any and all who would listen, reminding everyone that You alone receive the glory for answered prayer. We love you and thank you, Lord Jesus. You are amazing! In your name we pray, AMEN!
Anyone who knows me well knows that for a long time now, I've ended my prayers with "please make us healthy and thin and financially well off." I've gotten all sorts of comments and snickers, some asking for me to pray it for them as well to others (like my mom) saying that God only helps those who help themselves, which I don't think is true. I believe fully in amazing grace. God has the ability to bless us in any way He sees fit - He's God. But, one thing He requires is that we ask. I think the reason He wants us to ask Him is so that we learn to rely on Him and also praise Him for the answer. After all, God alone deserves the glory for answered prayer.
Sometimes if we think that we've done something on our own, we forget to praise the Lord for it. However, if we have come to the end of ourselves and bow face first on the ground humbly asking for the Lord's help in the name of Jesus, the Lord tells us that He will do it...so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. My prayer is that everyone who reads this blog would be bringing glory to God through their bodies and this journey of weight loss.
It absolutely excites me to think that the work is God's to do. I can't tell you what a relief that gives me - no more stressing about meals and exercise plans. God is going to change my body for His glory. And, what I've found to be personally true is that He can change my heart, my desires, my yearnings and even my life around. He has provided motivation, a way out, a new way of life. He has started the process of answering the prayer. While I'd rather be thin overnight, I think our God is one who enjoys the process of coming alongside us to encourage us, strengthen us and help us. He is all about our relationship with Him. So, lean on Him today. Let Him guide you, and most of all, I pray that you'll ask in expectancy, believing He can make this change for you! After all, John 16:24 tells us "Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete."
Dear Heavenly Father, we humbly come before you today and ask, in the name of Jesus', to have healthy bodies, thin bodies, bodies that glorify You through Your amazing Son. Lord, we believe it's Your will for us to be healthy, so we're asking for Your help today. Perform a miracle in our lives before the eyes of everyone in our sphere of influence and may we not forget to sing Your praise to any and all who would listen, reminding everyone that You alone receive the glory for answered prayer. We love you and thank you, Lord Jesus. You are amazing! In your name we pray, AMEN!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
A Way Out
"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." 1 Corinthians 10:13
There are times, I admit, that I wonder how skinny people do it. I think they were born with better genes; and admittedly, some probably were. I also think that they don't struggle the same way I do with craving certain foods or a second (or third if it's really good!) helping of dinner or not enjoying sports or workouts. But, when I read this verse, I see that what tempts us is 'common.' It reminded me of a conversation I had with an extremely thin and physically fit gal I used to work with. She said "I'd love to eat a whole bag of Oreo cookies while watching TV, too (speaking about her husband at the time), but I don't because I care more about my body than the snack." It was a revelation to me. Someone who was thin also desired food; they just weren't addicted to it like I was. They could say no.
This scripture also tells me that we, too, can say no. God will provide a way out when we are tempted. That way may not always seem easy, but it will be there! Look for it!
When I think about the sheer number of pounds I have yet to lose, it feels pretty daunting. If I think about getting up everyday early to exercise, I just want to roll over and sleep more. But, if I focus one day at a time, one choice at a time, I think I can continue on this journey, with God's help. A healthy body starts with one decision at a time. The hardest thing for me is to say no to food. But, I keep reminding myself, it gets easier every time I stand up and say no (finding that way out). This comes from the Biblical principle "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" James 4:7. Each time you say no and resist the devil, he will flee from you since he has no power over your life!
So, when you're offered something that doesn't fit in with your new lifestyle, simply say "no thank you." It's hard the first time, but you'll feel so glad when the situation is over and you resisted the temptation. Each time gets a little easier; although I'm not sure it every gets truly 'easy.' As God prompts you in changing your lifestyle, submit to Him and resist temptations that come your way. There will be a way out!
Dear Jesus, we thank You that You provide a way out when temptation is knocking at our door. Lord, as we are entering this new chapter of our lives, please help us in seeing the way out - make it evident. I pray that we would have the will power to resist the devil and that he would flee from our lives in your powerful name! Help us to submit to Your will for us and realize that You are faithful to help us with each choice, each decision, each day of our lives. Thank you, Father God, for drawing us nearer to You on our quest to be healthy for your glory. In Jesus' name, AMEN!
There are times, I admit, that I wonder how skinny people do it. I think they were born with better genes; and admittedly, some probably were. I also think that they don't struggle the same way I do with craving certain foods or a second (or third if it's really good!) helping of dinner or not enjoying sports or workouts. But, when I read this verse, I see that what tempts us is 'common.' It reminded me of a conversation I had with an extremely thin and physically fit gal I used to work with. She said "I'd love to eat a whole bag of Oreo cookies while watching TV, too (speaking about her husband at the time), but I don't because I care more about my body than the snack." It was a revelation to me. Someone who was thin also desired food; they just weren't addicted to it like I was. They could say no.
This scripture also tells me that we, too, can say no. God will provide a way out when we are tempted. That way may not always seem easy, but it will be there! Look for it!
When I think about the sheer number of pounds I have yet to lose, it feels pretty daunting. If I think about getting up everyday early to exercise, I just want to roll over and sleep more. But, if I focus one day at a time, one choice at a time, I think I can continue on this journey, with God's help. A healthy body starts with one decision at a time. The hardest thing for me is to say no to food. But, I keep reminding myself, it gets easier every time I stand up and say no (finding that way out). This comes from the Biblical principle "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" James 4:7. Each time you say no and resist the devil, he will flee from you since he has no power over your life!
So, when you're offered something that doesn't fit in with your new lifestyle, simply say "no thank you." It's hard the first time, but you'll feel so glad when the situation is over and you resisted the temptation. Each time gets a little easier; although I'm not sure it every gets truly 'easy.' As God prompts you in changing your lifestyle, submit to Him and resist temptations that come your way. There will be a way out!
Dear Jesus, we thank You that You provide a way out when temptation is knocking at our door. Lord, as we are entering this new chapter of our lives, please help us in seeing the way out - make it evident. I pray that we would have the will power to resist the devil and that he would flee from our lives in your powerful name! Help us to submit to Your will for us and realize that You are faithful to help us with each choice, each decision, each day of our lives. Thank you, Father God, for drawing us nearer to You on our quest to be healthy for your glory. In Jesus' name, AMEN!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Your Body is Sacred
“Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is sacred and you are that temple.” 1 Corinthians 3:16-17
To really change my behavior permanently, rather than just deciding to do a diet for a set time period, I had to change my perception of obesity. Now, to give you a background on me, when my husband first went to one of my extended family reunions he said "WOW! You have a large family! And I don't mean in just numbers..."
Being overweight always seemed somewhat normal to me. But, I'm realizing now that obesity is actually a sin. Don't get me wrong - I'm not pointing the finger at anyone but myself. I have been overweight 90% of my life! When I read the above scripture verses, though, I realized my physical body is the temple where God's Holy Spirit lives. By overeating and giving into the laziness that seems to come so naturally to me, I'm destroying the very place where God desires to dwell.
It was a humbling conclusion to come to when I realized that I was wearing my sin where everyone could see it. But, humility is a great place to start when you're desiring a major life change! As the Bible says in 1 Peter 5:5, "God gives grace to the humble." And, if you're on the same bumpy road that I am in the weight loss process - where ups and downs are part of life as you iron out a good 'routine' - then you'll need a lot of that grace!
Dear Lord, it blows my mind that the Creator of the Universe would want to have His Spirit dwell within my temple. Please help me treat my body like the holy temple you've called it to be. Remind me, Holy Spirit, when I go to make a poor choice that You desire a better life for me. Thank you, Father God, for your unending grace in this process. Please keep us humble and walking with You. In Jesus' name, AMEN!
To really change my behavior permanently, rather than just deciding to do a diet for a set time period, I had to change my perception of obesity. Now, to give you a background on me, when my husband first went to one of my extended family reunions he said "WOW! You have a large family! And I don't mean in just numbers..."
Being overweight always seemed somewhat normal to me. But, I'm realizing now that obesity is actually a sin. Don't get me wrong - I'm not pointing the finger at anyone but myself. I have been overweight 90% of my life! When I read the above scripture verses, though, I realized my physical body is the temple where God's Holy Spirit lives. By overeating and giving into the laziness that seems to come so naturally to me, I'm destroying the very place where God desires to dwell.
It was a humbling conclusion to come to when I realized that I was wearing my sin where everyone could see it. But, humility is a great place to start when you're desiring a major life change! As the Bible says in 1 Peter 5:5, "God gives grace to the humble." And, if you're on the same bumpy road that I am in the weight loss process - where ups and downs are part of life as you iron out a good 'routine' - then you'll need a lot of that grace!
Dear Lord, it blows my mind that the Creator of the Universe would want to have His Spirit dwell within my temple. Please help me treat my body like the holy temple you've called it to be. Remind me, Holy Spirit, when I go to make a poor choice that You desire a better life for me. Thank you, Father God, for your unending grace in this process. Please keep us humble and walking with You. In Jesus' name, AMEN!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Because You Have Grown So Fat
“In that day their burden will be lifted from your shoulders, their yoke from your neck; the yoke will be broken because you have grown so fat.” Isaiah 10:27
When I read this verse in Isaiah, I literally blushed. I knew God was speaking directly to me as I “resembled the remark.”
I started my weight loss journey after completing Beth Moore’s "Breaking Free" Bible Study. In it, I learned about generational bondage and how sin can entangle us like a literal yoke on our neck. My entire family (other than my mom) struggles with weight issues and eating. It’s all I’ve ever known. I had all but given up the struggle, figuring that I have been fat for a long time and will probably die obese. But, after this study and realizing that God can do ANYTHING, I decided to try again, this time focusing on His strength. And, I’ve decided that I want to cut off this sin and its power to enslave before I pass it along to my children.
Beth Moore suggested that we need to become yoked to something else in place of the original sin or we will fall right back into temptation. The above verse, which almost jumped off the page at me reminded me of the following verse: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" Matthew 11:28-30.
So, we can exchange yokes – our yoke of bondage to addiction that is literally weighing us down for Jesus’ easy and light yoke. While part of weight loss is the choices we make about food and exercise, another large portion is being set free from the bondage of sin – something only Christ Himself can do. People who rely on their own strength to lose weight often yo-yo back and forth on various diets. I believe God can cure us forever. If it’s His will to set us free (and I believe it is!) then we will be free indeed.
God spoke to me through this verse, and I’m praying that He lifts the burden from my shoulders and the yoke from my neck. I’m done with sin and eating unhealthy and treating my body like it’s not a holy vessel! I am being set free of generational bondage and learning a new way of life...beauty and health that starts from the inside out!
Dear Lord, we thank You that You provide for us hope we can’t find anywhere else. We praise You that we can exchange yokes and that You alone can cure us from this addiction. Lord, we’ve tried other things in the past to help us in this struggle, but we believe by Your strength alone that this time we can see the enemy’s bonds broken off our backs and that we will no longer be know as “so fat.” In Jesus’ powerful and holy name we pray, AMEN!
When I read this verse in Isaiah, I literally blushed. I knew God was speaking directly to me as I “resembled the remark.”
I started my weight loss journey after completing Beth Moore’s "Breaking Free" Bible Study. In it, I learned about generational bondage and how sin can entangle us like a literal yoke on our neck. My entire family (other than my mom) struggles with weight issues and eating. It’s all I’ve ever known. I had all but given up the struggle, figuring that I have been fat for a long time and will probably die obese. But, after this study and realizing that God can do ANYTHING, I decided to try again, this time focusing on His strength. And, I’ve decided that I want to cut off this sin and its power to enslave before I pass it along to my children.
Beth Moore suggested that we need to become yoked to something else in place of the original sin or we will fall right back into temptation. The above verse, which almost jumped off the page at me reminded me of the following verse: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" Matthew 11:28-30.
So, we can exchange yokes – our yoke of bondage to addiction that is literally weighing us down for Jesus’ easy and light yoke. While part of weight loss is the choices we make about food and exercise, another large portion is being set free from the bondage of sin – something only Christ Himself can do. People who rely on their own strength to lose weight often yo-yo back and forth on various diets. I believe God can cure us forever. If it’s His will to set us free (and I believe it is!) then we will be free indeed.
God spoke to me through this verse, and I’m praying that He lifts the burden from my shoulders and the yoke from my neck. I’m done with sin and eating unhealthy and treating my body like it’s not a holy vessel! I am being set free of generational bondage and learning a new way of life...beauty and health that starts from the inside out!
Dear Lord, we thank You that You provide for us hope we can’t find anywhere else. We praise You that we can exchange yokes and that You alone can cure us from this addiction. Lord, we’ve tried other things in the past to help us in this struggle, but we believe by Your strength alone that this time we can see the enemy’s bonds broken off our backs and that we will no longer be know as “so fat.” In Jesus’ powerful and holy name we pray, AMEN!
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