A Few Seconds can Make Such a Difference

November 15, 2017

Last night my granddaughter had a band concert in Ames.  Because I don’t drive out of town in the dark, I stayed overnight with my daughter’s family.  This morning as I left their place and began to drive home, my thoughts veered toward Kum & Go hot chocolate (I like this, but it isn’t on the anti-inflammatory diet I try to follow to fight osteoporosis).  I decided I was going to stop and buy one, but the Holy Spirit said, “No, you don’t need it.”

I knew the Spirit was right, but after all, I was hungry and home was a 45 minutes drive yet.  The Spirit responded, “You’ve eaten breakfast at 8:30 before and been just fine.”

I ignored the Spirit, turned into Kum & Go, bought the hot chocolate, drank it as I drove home and then was miserable—just as Gloria talked about last week.

Ever had such a conversation with the Spirit?  Through my years of compulsive overeating, dieting and following Jesus, I’ve had several such conversations.

St. Paul tells me, I can do all things through Him who strengthens me (Phil 4:13, New American Standard).

Even in such a situation as the one I’ve described, St. Paul is correct.  For I’ve begun to realize each time I reach for a food or drink that is not appropriate for me or that may lead to overeating, the Spirit speaks to me and gives me about 3 to 5 seconds to turn away from the self-destructive action (He strengthens me).  But He’s not going to slap my hand; I have been given self-will.  It’s up to me to do the right thing.

Drop That Halloween Candy at Jesus’ Feet

I am humbled to approach this Sharing Glory writing session because I haven’t had a very successful month since my last blog. In fact, at a very recent doctor’s appointment I was up several pounds from just a week before. So I come before you unworthy of offering much encouragement. Except that I’m right there with you struggling.

So what is there to do but to begin again – Today. As Sharon encouraged us to choose God as our second partner in this challenge of eating healthy, I am reaching out to God AGAIN to stand beside me and walk with me in this battle. I so wish He would bind my hands and feet to keep me from the temptations in the kitchen but I know I must do my part.

“I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people. I am the Lord your God…I broke the bars of your yoke and enabled you to walk with heads held high,” (Leviticus 26:12-13 NIV).

Right now my head is bowed in guilt and self-hatred when I look in the mirror. But that only makes me want to go binge on something sweet. I know that is the wrong path to choose. My weight loss journey is a matter of perseverance. I must keep trying and accept the power of God to overthrow my cravings. I must choose one carrot over the piece of Halloween candy, one apple instead of one bowl of ice cream.

I know God walks with me through this challenge and He removes the chains the devil binds me with. I must not allow Satan to control me in temptations or in my mindless overeating sessions. I must drop my burdens (and sinful treats) at Jesus’ feet and walk away with my head held high.

Remember: At the end of the day God still loves us! Claim that as your truth for today.

Gloria Stewart