Today we are sharing our thoughts on Chapter 6 of Made to Crave. If you wrote a post, will you link up here so that we can encourage one another on our journey? (*I am having a little trouble with the linky code, but will hopefully have that worked out soon. So be sure to check back!)
This chapter struck a deep chord in my heart. I realized early on that this was about so much more than losing weight. My relationship with Christ is really at the root of it all. He desires that I come closer to Him through this journey. But some days, I feel so far away.
How do I grow closer to God on this journey?
There are things I can do every day that will bring me closer — praying, reading my Bible, praise and worship, going to church. And although these are all good things that please God’s heart, they will not bring me one inch closer to Him. It’s how I choose to posture my heart before Him. I can come, kneeling before Him, yet I can choose to hang on to all my stuff — my struggles with overeating, the negative emotions that set me off, my lack of motivation, etc. Or, I can come, posturing myself in the lowest position possible with empty hands and an eager heart to receive. And I can make myself vulnerable and be willing to give some things up in return.
When posed the question of how one is to get closer to God while at a conference, Lysa answered:
“By making the choice to deny ourselves something that is permissible but not beneficial. And making this intentional sacrifice for the sole purpose of growing closer to God. After all, Jesus Himself said, ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me’. (Luke 9:23).”
Denying myself.
My attempts to give up refined sugars over the last two weeks have failed miserably. I could give you a few reasons as to why, but I can also tell you that I don’t think I am any deeper in my relationship with God than I was last week. There is too much of “me” in this equation. I must be willing to die to myself — my wants, needs and selfish desires for temporary fulfillment, allowing God to draw closer as I empty myself before Him. Then, and only then, will I truly find the strength to give up those things that my heart desires. I must learn to go without while telling myself “no” as I learn to make wiser choices, each and every day. It’s about living a life of self control.
A life of self control can only be achieved in partnership with the Holy Spirit.
He is the One who whispers to my heart when I consistently make bad choices. Yet, it grieves me to think that sometimes I simply do not hear Him. My voice has become so loud that it has actually drowned out the voice of the Lord at times. And I’ve given in to selfish desires and temporary pleasures as I’ve listened to excuse after excuse as to why I should indulge. Forgive me Lord!
“So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.”
(Galatians 5:16)
I must be willing to walk away when the Holy Spirit nudges me and says, “That food choice is permissible but not beneficial — so don’t eat it.” This does not mean that food is sinful. But the enemy holds food in front of me, constantly telling me that I will never be free from this battle, that I will always battle the emotions that cause me to make poor choices, and that I will never lose weight. So I might as well eat! When I choose to listen to the liar instead of the Spirit of God, I move into a place of defeat and give in to sinful pleasures — those things that are not beneficial.
I am so thankful I serve a loving and compassionate God who understands my weaknesses. He knows and understands my battle with food and my emotions. When I partner with Him, He brings strength for the victory. I never want to allow my issues with food to hold me back from the calling the Lord has on my life.
About 3 years ago, when I was about 40lbs lighter, I led a praise dance team at church. I have never had any formal dance training. But I would choreograph beautiful dances that adults and children would perform during special services. Dancing made me feel so free before the Lord. One of the reasons I don’t dance today is that my body hurts too much to dance. And, I don’t like how I look in my dance attire. But what if God has called me to dance? And what if I am allowing food to get in the way of that calling?
How about you? Are your issues with food keeping you from doing something God has called you to do or gifted you in? Are you ready to continue this journey? Let’s ask God for the courage to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Him, each and every day!
Be sure and stop by Venessa’s blog to encourage her!
Weekly Check-In
Starting Weight: 200.6
Today’s Weight: 200.6
First Goal: 175
No weight loss this week, but no gain either. I’ve had an emotional week. And to top things off, I will be going in for an Endometrial biopsy on Friday morning, due to some issues I’ve been having. I am standing in peace and believing it’s nothing more than a hormonal imbalance. But your prayers would be appreciated!
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