PRAISE & PRAYER PROMPT ••• Today is a miracle.
This is my 7th day of no sugar.
Y’all, when I say this is an accomplishment only done by the grace of God, I’m not being flippant or funny.
My weight has been a yo-yo for years but the truth is, I don’t feel overweight.
Until I see a picture of myself.
And then I’m horrified by it.
I’m the heaviest I’ve been since my son was born and since that was 21 years ago, I’m well-past the legitimate excuse of baby weight.
My current weight is (insert mumbling sounds) and my attitude for the last year has been, “I’m tired of trying; Jesus can make me skinny when I get to Heaven.”
But He wouldn’t let me be content with that.
He loves me too much to let me off the hook from being healthy.
And even though I regularly tell people (and believe!) that God cares about every detail of our lives, praying about my issues with food has felt trivial.
Especially since compared to others, I eat pretty well.
I can say no to soft drinks, chips, and packaged cookies.
Frankly, I don’t like those things and am probably the only person who dislikes Oreos.
But chocolate peanut butter ice cream and fresh baked goods, especially bread—those are my downfalls.
Last week, on impulse and without complete confidence that I’d make it past Day 3, I decided I was going to do a 30-day no sugar challenge.
Amazingly, I haven’t had headaches or the lethargic side effects that I’ve read about from those with sugar withdrawals.
I haven’t even been craving it.
I’ve also lost six pounds.
And again, I’m reminded that God is a God of miracles because that’s the only answer I have to it.
A few years ago, I read Lysa TerKeurst’s book, “Made to Crave,” and I’ve started reading it again.
I know weight and Bible study don’t often coincide, but they should.
Eve was tempted by food, and Satan tried the same tactic when he tried to tempt Jesus in the wilderness.
Jesus answered in Matthew 4:4, “He answered, ‘It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
He was quoting Deuteronomy 8:3 when Moses reminded the Israelites of the same truth.
And it still holds true.
I’m only a week into this, but I am amazed at the way God is using this.
The temptation to keep this to myself and a few friends is great.
Satan has been whispering, “Don’t tell too many people because what if you fail? Look at how many times you’ve failed. You’re probably going to fail.”
But no.
Not today, Satan.
For the first time, it’s not about my weight as a point of vanity.
It’s a point of being healthy because my body is a temple (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
And also for the first time, I’m doing this with God.
I’m praying every morning to make healthy, no-sugar-added choices that honor my health, and are based on the food He created and has provided.
Satan loves to discourage us.
For so many women, weight is a problem and our culture tells us that we don’t measure up if we don’t fit inside certain molds.
He loves to tempt us with things that will make us feel guilty and feel like failures.
Maybe weight isn’t your battle, but without question, Satan discourages you in other areas.
Whatever it is, I encourage you to take it to God.
It may seem trivial, but I’m staying with renewed confidence that He does care about every detail of your life.
Today, as you pray, thank God for caring and for providing good and wholesome nourishment for us.
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you depend on Him when temptation, cravings, doubt, and guilt overwhelm you.
Ask Him to equip you and remember, He is always with you.
One Response
Well written, and very encouraging ! Thank-you for posting.