Welcome P31 Encouragement for Today Devotion Readers. Thank you for taking time to visit. I've left this post up from yesterday so I can get your perspectives on this whole issue with food. So many of us struggle with it. I'm also offering a contest for those of you who leave a comment today.
I'll pick three commenters to win a sneak preview of the first five chapters of a book I'm writing called "When a Cheez-its and Chocolate Girl Gets Healthy."
So, leave a comment below by clicking on the word 'comments' and weigh in on how today's devo touched your heart, challenged you or made you think. Make sure to leave your e-mail address if you post as anonymous so I can contact you if you win.
Thanks!
I wrote a little tongue and cheek letter to Eve yesterday which got me thinking quite a bit about her. Since I have been living in a place of utter dependence on God to resist the many temptations that assault my taste buds, I am learning so much. And I'll be honest, the whole Eve situation fascinates me.
It lets me peek inside the inner workings of someone else's struggle to resist Satan and the tragic consequences when we don't. And mercy is her story ever perfect for me to study since her struggle was with --- hello--- food.
Eve had so many options in her lush garden of provision. But she became fascinated with the one food God told her not to eat.
Though my healthy eating plan is restrictive, I too have so many options. I can eat a wild variety of lean meats and veggies and a limited number of fruits. These options have always been available to me but over the years, I became more fascinated than I should with processed foods high in sugar. So, eventually, I felt challenged that I should give these up. Under the conviction of the Holy Spirit, they became the food I should not eat.
I won't lie. It has at times been hard. But it has also been one of the best spiritual journeys I have ever been on with God. Something inside me has unlocked as I experience the super natural power of God to resist temptations, moment by moment- day by day.
This whole thing has become so much more a spiritual battle than a physical one. Now, don't get me wrong I am rejoicing with the physical results I can measure. I've lost a total of 19 inches and almost 20 pounds. And I feel great.
But the spiritual results are what are really immeasurably thrilling. I don't feel held hostage by food any longer. I've side stepped that vicious cycle of guilt and found that the Lord's provision to truly satisfy is so much better than the world's provision.
Which brings me back to Eve...
If you have a moment read Genesis 3: 1-7. Then read 1John 2:15-17.
I'd love for us to ponder and discuss these verses in the comments today. I am fascinated by the rich, rich truths entangled within just crying out to be unearthed. So, let's do some digging and discussing. Oh I can't wait to see what you come up with.
I'm not looking for perfect answers--- I'm looking for some girlfriend to girlfriend perspectives. Come on- weigh in- and this type of weighing in doesn't require a scale. Glory.
I'll pick three commenters to win a sneak preview of the first five chapters of a book I'm writing called "When a Cheez-its and Chocolate Girl Gets Healthy."
So, leave a comment below by clicking on the word 'comments' and weigh in on how today's devo touched your heart, challenged you or made you think. Make sure to leave your e-mail address if you post as anonymous so I can contact you if you win.
Thanks!
I wrote a little tongue and cheek letter to Eve yesterday which got me thinking quite a bit about her. Since I have been living in a place of utter dependence on God to resist the many temptations that assault my taste buds, I am learning so much. And I'll be honest, the whole Eve situation fascinates me.
It lets me peek inside the inner workings of someone else's struggle to resist Satan and the tragic consequences when we don't. And mercy is her story ever perfect for me to study since her struggle was with --- hello--- food.
Eve had so many options in her lush garden of provision. But she became fascinated with the one food God told her not to eat.
Though my healthy eating plan is restrictive, I too have so many options. I can eat a wild variety of lean meats and veggies and a limited number of fruits. These options have always been available to me but over the years, I became more fascinated than I should with processed foods high in sugar. So, eventually, I felt challenged that I should give these up. Under the conviction of the Holy Spirit, they became the food I should not eat.
I won't lie. It has at times been hard. But it has also been one of the best spiritual journeys I have ever been on with God. Something inside me has unlocked as I experience the super natural power of God to resist temptations, moment by moment- day by day.
This whole thing has become so much more a spiritual battle than a physical one. Now, don't get me wrong I am rejoicing with the physical results I can measure. I've lost a total of 19 inches and almost 20 pounds. And I feel great.
But the spiritual results are what are really immeasurably thrilling. I don't feel held hostage by food any longer. I've side stepped that vicious cycle of guilt and found that the Lord's provision to truly satisfy is so much better than the world's provision.
Which brings me back to Eve...
If you have a moment read Genesis 3: 1-7. Then read 1John 2:15-17.
I'd love for us to ponder and discuss these verses in the comments today. I am fascinated by the rich, rich truths entangled within just crying out to be unearthed. So, let's do some digging and discussing. Oh I can't wait to see what you come up with.
I'm not looking for perfect answers--- I'm looking for some girlfriend to girlfriend perspectives. Come on- weigh in- and this type of weighing in doesn't require a scale. Glory.
151 Comments:
I keep kind of waiting for someone else to go first. Oh, well. Here it goes.
I KNOW I am in bondage to food. See it. Know it. Even hate it after I have eaten. And yet...here I stay. Why? Because it tastes good. It smells good. It promises satisfaction, and for a VERY brief time, delivers. But then the yuck comes in...and I should see that I need to walk away...but I listen again to the whispers. "See what God is trying to keep from you? Why won't He just let you have that brownie? How cruel is that? Surely just one more plate of food can't hurt anything. You've had such a hard day." And so the bondage continues.
Your present faith walk has struck a nerve with me. And it has brought some things to light that made me want to cry when I saw them for what they were. You see...when you said you were thinking of writing a book on this...I was like, "Ummmm...hello? Doesn't she realize that means she will have to KEEP eating like this? Doesn't she know that means sustained change?"
Oh, Lysa...know that my thoughts were not an affront to YOU but a revealing of my own heart...my own struggles. I felt God ask me, "Do you not believe that I can help her? Do you not believe that all things ARE possible with Me?" I could have cried right at that moment....because I saw...I saw my cynical heart. I saw how I don't step out. How I SAY with my mouth I believe all things are possible with Him, but I DO NOT always live it. And there are some obvious issues with the things of this world that I love.
I am not overcoming tempatation in my life. And that is not the life He wants me to have. In my Bible, next to the verses you had us read in Genesis, I had written 1 John 2:14. The last part reads..."I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the wicked one." Not much overcoming going on over here.
So there you have it. Much has been stirred up in me with all that you have been posting about. My heart is challenged. But I guess now is the time where I have some choices to make. And I know my walk does not have to look just like yours...but I DO know that I am not walking in complete surrender to my Lord and Savior.
Thanks for being who you are. A woman passionate about the Lord. A woman who is real. A woman who is challenging the fire out of me right now. ;)
Totally not able to judge Eve,
K
First, let me say it is so awesome to see God leading others where He is leading me. Food had become my comfort, which was odd because it never has been before. Now, at 43, I find myself overweight, which I have never been before. New territory - which was not hard to get to, but hard to leave. But leave I will because I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Discipline is what it is about, and we have lost that in the body of Christ. We have all become Eve: talking with the enemy and heading his voice. That is what I noticed about the passages I read, that her mistake/sin began with dialoging with the enemy. When I know something is wrong for me (and I know when it is!) then I should not listen to that voice that says, "but wait...you deserve this." I should "resist him steadfast in the faith." Oh, but we don't like to think about food as needed to be resisted. But my physical life is often a good indicator/barometer of how I am doing spiritually. Am I too self-indulgent? If I am physically, then I may also find myself lacking in spiritual discipline. It all goes together and thank you that you are addressing this area. Please keep this up - at least weekly - as the reminders surely encourage me that "my sisters suffer the same things" as me. I, too, am learning so much more than I thought I would when I started this change in my life about 3 months ago. This physical life is rooted in the spiritual - every bit of it - and if I can ever always remember that - then I will not even listen to the enemy when he tempts me. May God grant us all wisdom and discernment.
In His love and hope,
Karan
The thing that fascinates me about the first passage is that what satan promises Eve really does come to pass, just not in the way that Eve thinks. He said:
"You will not surely die," the serpent said to the woman. "For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."
And she didn't die (at least physically, which I'm sure is what she was thinking), her eyes were certainly opened and she DID end up knowing good and evil. He is not only the liar that we all know him to be, but a fantastic twister of the truth.
I think that's where we get into so much trouble with food. He's constantly twisting bits of truth around, along with the outright lies, so it keeps us off-balance, and somehow we end up thinking that God is trying to keep us from something wonderful...better. Until we eat it and then we most certainly have our eyes opened, just like Eve.
I went through a similar "detox" and diet, but during a cross-country move, got out of my routine and fell off the wagon (we had to eat out a LOT and my lame excuse was that it got hard). It's shown me that God's way of eating is infinitely better, not only for my body, but every other part of my life.
Thanks for the discussion!
Melinda
Lately, I have been hit with so many different things relating to this topic. On Sunday I was reading Prov. 7...you know the one about how the adulteress entices the young man to come sleep with her. My first thought was "I don't want to read this one...it doesn't apply, but I heard God say, "read it differently." I began reading it and understood how the world does the same thing to me. Draws me in and makes everything seem so wonderul... Then my pastor preached about living for God or living for the world on Sunday. Then today I read this. The passasges you had us read also lead me to this verse, "4You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. James 4:4
It's something I'm aiming for and working on. To love God and the things of God more than anything in the world.
God, may you never see me as your enemy but as one who loves you more than anything the world can offer.
My thoughts:
1. Adam and Eve weren't named until after the fruit eating debacle. Not sure it means anything but it is interesting that they were just man and woman before that. But after they begin to die, and authority changes, they have names.
2. In Gen. 2:16-17, God tells man the command to not eat of the tree in the middle of the garden. In Gen 3:3, the woman in trying to quote to the serpent what God commanded them, she adds some restriction to it. She add "don't even touch it". God gives us guidelines that will keep us in balance in and in harmony with his creation and his will for our lives. But we are so afraid of breaking the rules (we don't see his grace we only fear getting in trouble), that we create new rules to keep us from breaking the rules. And it is those rules that bind us from even enjoying the things that God has given us. God didn't tell them that they couldn't touch the tree, sit under the tree for shade, climb it for fun, or anything like that. He said only do not eat of the fruit of that tree.
3. So that leads to another point. The woman hadn't been created yet when God gave the command to Adam. We can only speculate that either Adam added the extra do not touch rule or maybe Eve did just to be safe. So much for being safe. I'm going to go with Adam added it because I don't think she would have been as easily swayed by the serpent had she added the extra stipulation. If you write the rule, you usually are more adamant about following it.
4. I also think it is really interesting that Eve doubted not only what God said but also what Adam had told her. Remember that she didn't hear the original command. And I think it is for that reason that the serpent went for Eve not for Adam.
5. I'm not sure why Adam ate the fruit too. But I'm thinking because he saw that Eve didn't instantly die, he began to doubt God as well. I also think that there is an obvious lesson on the consequences of our sin affect others. What we do, what we choose, especially when the effects of that sin are not immediate or obvious, we often influence others to the same sin.
After reading the first passage, in verse 6, where it says that (I'm paraphrasing) "Eve saw the fruit and it looked good and could be used for food," I'm wondering if she had ever considered going to the middle of the garden and checking out the forbidden tree before the serpent said anything to her. I believe that she had always trusted God with her whole heart before ol' Satan slithered up to her, and she had never before given a thought about the tree.
At first, after reading the second passage, I couldn't figure out what it had to do w/ the first. I'm sure it has been interpreted all kinds of ways, and some things came to mind immediately. BUT, I decided that it tied in w/ Eve quite nicely--if we get around things that are tempting (wordly things), we are tempted to take a bite--and then, our closeness, trust, hope, and faith in God start to die. There are some things that I wouldn't even THINK if it weren't for some snake coming along and giving me an idea.
Wow--I don't get "revelations" very often, for I don't see myself as a thinker, but this was a real eye-opener!
As always, thank you, Lysa!
♥Susan
Lysa
I have tried to find a doctor/nutritionist that works with your program but I can't seem to find anyone in Iowa. I have tried on my own but I'm not sure if I am going about it correctly. Any advise?
I believe that Satan tempts us all and preys especially on ME!
Have a happy day!
As a girly who is so easily comforted by what the world has to offer, chocolate, a new pair of shoes, calling up a friend and venting. These verses bring me before God this morning and have my attention. I am asking today that in my moments of weakness (and I know there will be plenty to practice on today) that I start praying and reciting His words instead of running oh so quickly to a worldly fix. Thank you Lysa for living a life that is real...really encouraging!
Wow! What an awesome passage to start my day out with. Thank you Lysa for discussing this issue. As someone who suffers from eating disorders I often "run" away as fast as I can from talking about anything remotely close to food. Also, as a fellow believer who has strayed so far away from God I am slowly plugging my way back (thus I figured I would read Lysa's blog for the day!)I think we as believers so often don't like to associate food and the Bible together (at least I don't). How closely our spiritual lives and physical relate! I have never looked at these passages in this way and I'm like WOW!! Then you have 1John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful....(you ladies know the rest).
Lysa:
In Genesis it struck me first how the serpent in his craftiness sets out to deceive Eve with misquoting God. Eve knew what God had said and repeated it to the serpent. I think this is huge. We also must know what God's Word says. We cannot allow other people to tell us and feed us (regurgitating it from others), we ourselves must go to his word and know what he says. After that Eve loses this battle through disobedience. She knew what she believed but she didn't believe what she believed. Ahhh a problem that still continues today. 1 John tells us that the girl who does the will of God lives forever. This is the point for me. It has to do with knowing God's word for myself and standing on that no matter what comes my way, not just food but many, many other things. Even when the world and everything in it comes at me I must know what His word says and choose His ways and be in His will.
Thanks for sharing the verses and it's great to hear from others their scripture revelations!
Thanks Lysa and God Bless you,
Theresa
Thankfully I don't struggle with food, but oh, believe me, I have PLENTY of other areas I struggle (hard!) in. When I read this story about Eve, I see it from a different angle...not so much the food issue, but that *perhaps Eve thought God was holding out on her*...purposely keeping something from her that would have been *good*. (man, I wish we could use italics in our comments!) Lysa, you've posted before about women's insecurities....could it be that all of those insecurities began with Eve as well? Our doubting that God truly is for us and not against us? That He truly is working all things for our good? This is one of the areas where I struggle...to truly, completely - way down in the deepest part of my lay-down-the-church-girl-pretenses heart - believe that God loves and treasurers ME just as much as He does you (or you, or you, or you...) That He's not "holding out" on me because I'm not good enough, don't pray enough, don't seek Him well enough....whatever. Yes, I KNOW what His word says, my struggle is with truly BELIEVING it.
Okay, girlfriend to girlfriend... I don't like the way I look, and like Eve, I see my body and want to cover it with XXL fig leaves!
Self-help says, "Love yourself the way you are." Christians say, "God created you just the way you are." God didn't create me to be overweight, I did that to myself... and I don't love myself this way! God actually created me, and the life-giving food that would sustain me, to be healthy and whole. He gave me everything I need... but that's not enough for this processed food craving body. Isn't that what gets us into sin in the first place? It's never enough, we want what we can't have, we aren't satisfied.
Why is it easier to resist alcohol, gambling, stealing, gossip? Because I don't crave them; there is no sacrifice on my part in giving up those things. There is sacrifice in giving up sweets, cheddar-garlic biscuits, and convenient fast foods... actually that wouldn't be a sacrifice but a reward, right?!?
I John talks about the cravings of the world - if we love those things of the world, the love of the Father is not in us.
Lysa... girlfriend to girlfriend, can I tell you I don't like you right now??? LOL
I love the Lord, don't think I don't... but my strength is weak about making good food choices. If you really want to be a good friend, pray for me. I've been encouraged by what you share, and had already begun the process of making some serious life-style changes. I suppose your comments were the icing on the cake... um... you know what I mean :/
december rose....did you have to bring up cheddar-garlic biscuits! ;)
I say an AMEN to everything that Kimberly said above. I hate where I am right now physically and spiritually. I'm listening to Satan and agreeing with his view of food instead of listening to the Holy Spirit tell me the truth. I don't want to be disciplined. I want to rebel and that is what I have been doing, but everywhere I'm getting input that it needs to stop now. I want to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit and live a victorious peaceful life.
Gal 5:16 came to my mind after reading the other scriptures.
"So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature." Read the rest of this chapter & then Romans 7:14-25
We are at war! Satan wants to control my mind and I must dwell on God's word and truth in order to combat my sinful nature.
2 Cor 10:3-5
"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up agaist the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ."
Thank you Lysa for sharing your sturggles and victories!
Heather
Didn't read the other posts (we're on vacation and need to hurry a bit) but what the Lord showed me was Eve had trouble with the same things we as women have trouble with today. l. Authority vs. 5 for God knows....the enemy was putting doubt in Eve's mind regarding God's authority. He knows all things and everything He does or asks of us is for His glory and our good. Eve tought she "had a better idea" than obeying. 2. Manipulation She manipulated Adam into eating and leading him to sin. 3. food vs.2 from the fruit of the trees you may not eat 4. believing lies vs. 3 the enemy told Eve she must not eat of the tree nor touch it (the Lord didn't say anything about touching the tree.)
Hope this made sense. Thanks Lysa for the blessing you are all the tme!! THrilled with you about your weight loss!!! Hallelujah!!!!
Didn't read the other posts (we're on vacation and need to hurry a bit) but what the Lord showed me was Eve had trouble with the same things we as women have trouble with today. l. Authority vs. 5 for God knows....the enemy was putting doubt in Eve's mind regarding God's authority. He knows all things and everything He does or asks of us is for His glory and our good. Eve tought she "had a better idea" than obeying. 2. Manipulation She manipulated Adam into eating and leading him to sin. 3. food vs.2 from the fruit of the trees you may not eat 4. believing lies vs. 3 the enemy told Eve she must not eat of the tree nor touch it (the Lord didn't say anything about touching the tree.)
Hope this made sense. Thanks Lysa for the blessing you are all the tme!! THrilled with you about your weight loss!!! Hallelujah!!!!
WOW,I am reading all of the comments after reading Lysa's devotional and it was exactly what I needed to hear today. I have struggled with my weight all of my life and found comfort in food when troubled. I decided that this is it and this summer I have devoted myself to starting over again and eating better and exercising more. I teach nutrition and know the logic behind eating right, but like others that struggle with overeating, I give in to the temptaion of the foods that I love and make me feel good temporarily.
Thank you for the encouragement and the scripture for study.
With Jesus I can do all things excellently and know that this is a battle that he will walk me through. I am not alone.
God's timing is amazing as I have recently given up "dieting" per se (I certainly know how to do that) and am addressing this as a spiritual stronghold I pray to break in my life. I loved so many of the comments here. It struck me too how Eve fell for the lie that she would not die. I fall for those kind of lies too with food and I rebel in this area of my life yet I am miserable at 100 lbs. overweight and overwhelmed by it.
I am now slowly starting to REALLY believe God can change me, learning the true meaning of discipline and what God's Word says regarding this. It's a slow, slow process for me and I can't see any physical changes yet, but internally, that is another matter and what counts most. As the inside changes the outside will follow.
I feel like I have found friends today. I stumbled on your blog and can totally relate to your struggle and posts. I pray that I too can overcome this stronghold of dieting/healthy eating along with MANY other issues. I need to focus on God and His perfect ways and not on the world. Thank you for this post and the comments. God Bless!
I'm trying to stand on God's promise in Phil. 4:13, that I CAN do anything through Christ who strengthens me ... but this 3X mom is struggling ... I've given it all to God, yet on this issue I do feel alone in the wilderness. Thanks for today's message and for the reminder that healthy eating is a great place to start. I'm struggling on the exercise side too, and don't want to model this unhealthy lifestyle for my young girls, yet that's exactly what I'm doing. We've taken a baby step this week ... an apple with my 8 yr old every day after swim team. Praise God that He can work in our baby steps! And thank you Lysa for tackling this subject.
Lysa,
Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Your devotion today could have been written about me! My battle really started about 10 years ago when ex-husband made a comment about my weight (which was actually a healthy weight for me at the time) while I was eating a piece of cake. I was so mad that I later ate the whole thing after he left for work! Talk about seeking comfort elsewhere from God!!!
That moment of false security has plagued me since and is stealing God's best from me on a daily basis. I am self conscious about my weight and the way my clothes fit and I don't have the energy to do the things I would like to do with my family. The worst part is that I know how to eat healthy and exercise, but I am stuck in the cycle of comfort eating.
I think we all tend to make things more complicated than they really are by putting faith in the next great diet, weight loss supplement or exercise program. God has given us a spirit of power, self-control and love and He is our help in times of trouble.
Thank you for being real and for calling us out to be honest with ourselves and be accountable. Looking forward to sharing the journey!
Lisa,
I am so thankful for your blog and the proverbs 31 scripture this morning. This morning woke me to another horrible morning after late night gorging. My sister and I have been struggling for the past year (especially) to fight the horrible sin of gluttony. We just recently started the bible study (Diet Alternative) which is straight about the gluttony involved in the unhealthy eating. Even though I am given knowledge of my sin, I can't seem to break the stronghold of my flesh that satan has on me. I pray and thank God for his gift of a new start each day, but I am upset that I am wasting each new day and the time God has planned to fill my life with blessings by discerning my knowledge and releasing my flesh to the gluttony of my life. I cry in knowing this. It is ironic that last night I read to my children about Jesus being tempted by satan and persevering. I told them that we must persevere as well. I must be an example for them just as Jesus. Today MUST be the first day of the rest of my life. I pray that I may persevere past this sin of unhealthy eating. Thank you to all of your comments to aid me in this struggle and for allowing me to own up to my sin to someone other than my sister. I pray for anyone who hears my message that they may be able to persevere and know that God not the flesh is what we need to seek. God Bless Paula
I am putting my address for anyone who needs a prayer partner in this sin because satan keeps deleting my message so it must need to be here.
(phinson@rochester.rr.com)
Oh my goodness! Gods' timing is always perfect.
This morning as I started to read the Girlfriends in God devotional and the question came up "How Am I doing?", my thoughts went immediately to food and exercise, even before I read the rest of the devotional.
I struggle with food too; and I am so glad that I can come to this blog and follow along as others deal with the same issue.
My eyes have been opened as I read the other comments and realize that I have been "tricked" by Satan as well. And even though I am fairly good in those other areas, I never really look at my diet as a trick from Satan. Thanks for setting this straight for me and for the encouraging words of the others.
I turned 51 in January and the hardest thing I have found about my food issues is that it's not as easy as it once was. I joined Weight Watchers in 2001 and in the next 2 years lost over 75 pounds. I felt good, I looked good, and I watched what I ate. Now I don't feel good, I don't look as good, and I definitely am not as careful as I once was with what goes into my body. I haven't gone back to my old habits of going through drivethrus or gettng any and everything at the grocery store. However, as we get older, I am discovering life is harder in many ways, but it is also sweeter in many ways. I just need to follow the Lord's leading and take this health, weight, food issue/thing day by day and definitely watch what goes into my mouth much better.
Thanks for reading this. I hope it made sense. My husband and I are on a mission trip to Alaska with our ministry, Creative Hearts, where we share the Gospel through music, drama, puppets, and clowning. It is harder to watch what you eat when you are on vacation and definitely harder to do so when you are gone from home for 5 weeks. Pray for us, please. We'll be back home in Kentucky on July 11th.
Lysa,
Aww...you have touched on an issue near and dear to so many women in our culture. I am a young woman who 8-10 years ago struggled with the same issues you describe in your post. In fact, while never being diagnosed with and eating disorder I may say that I verged very close to one. And the vicious cycle of emotional eating and binging, then guilt and starving myself was a horrid prison that caused me to feel defeated and wanting to give up on my faith becuase no matter how much I prayed and desired change in this area, it seemed impossible to me.
It starts differently for every person I believe. And the way out, while I believe is always through Christ and his power, looks different for each person as well.
After many years of defeat, I found a book called Thin Within. It's basic premise is that no food is "untouchable"...not the brownie, not the coke etc. But we should eat what we want when we are hungry and stop when we are full. While that doesn't mean we shouldnt pursue healthy options it did give me freedom to quit limiting myself and restricting myself so much so that I longed and desired for this illusive food. I lost close to 40 pounds and have kept it off even through 2 pregnancies. But the best part is being free from something that held me so captive I was unable to love others, serve and minister the way God had planned for me. Freedom is amazing and I pray for each woman in this same sitution that they would know in Christ, freedom is possible.
Hi Lisa,
I also had an issue with eating--too many sweets. About two years ago I started having intestinal pains literally all the time. About a year ago I discovered that I have multiple food intolerances and that I can longer eat wheat (gluten), soy, nuts,artifical sweeteners, MSG, or chocolate. I am "forced" to eat healthy. At times I go into despair, but then I praise God for giving me this so that I have an external "extra" motivator to eat healthy. I have lost 12 pounds and know I am on the track to eating good food for life! I praise Him for my thorn.
Lysa,
Your devotion today just really touched my heart. I am someone who has struggled with alcoholism. I know what it feels like to be in real bondage to a substance. The Lord has freed me so completely from that addiction and has shown me what real peace is. Lately I've had these food cravings and I have been eating too much processed food and especially sugar. I've known that I need to stop. I've felt convicted to change this destructive behavior. I have been praying about it and taking half measures. I am not seriously overweight or anything. I am just a little bigger in spots than I would like. For me it's not so much a weight issue as it is a health issue and yet another addiction. Well, this past weekend we went to the beach. There were all of these beautiful, thin women walking around in their bikini's and I just felt like this overweight, out of shape, wrinkly old person (I am 37 and I wear a size 8). I mean it was ridiculous. And then I started thinking about how my husband was noticing these women and their bikinis. Oh the downward spiral that all took!! Like a small pebble rolling down a mountain and at the bottom it's a boulder. Yesterday I just sat and prayed and realized that I have to be obedient to the Lord, I need to take responsibility for eating right and exercise and I need to stop these resentments and be loving to my husband. I did this yesterday and I had a really peaceful day. I ate right and I exercised and I had only really small cravings. And this morning I read your devotional - just the little boost forward I needed. I know that this is a long post, but I pray that someone reads it that can relate and be helped.
I too am in bondage to food and have made a commitment to not worship food, think about food or have it be an idol in my life anymore. This is more of a health issue for me, but I began to see that no matter the situation, my first thought was usually about the food. I too have shed inches and 27 pounds since February of this year and even put walking into my life, as never before. Walking alone is a great way to talk with God and offer my prayers many times a day.
Lysa,
I have to say the Lord has recently given me a task I felt completely unworthy of. He wants me to start a membership site called familydevotions.org. (please stay with me, this is going somewhere!) In 2006, I attended the Hearts at Home conference, you, Julie Ann Barnhill (and Jill Savage) were beacons God used to get my attention. He told me while I was there that He had a task for me to do for Him and His glory. But He also let me know there were issues in my past with my husband that had to be addressed prior to moving forward. As I waited for Him to open and close the appropriate doors, last year in April, my husband and I finally came face-to-face with our Lord and He enabled us to face those giants head-on, His grace leading the way. Then last month (May 2009), He revealed to me the website creation idea. Through the past three weeks, I have had such an intent focus on Him and trying so desperately to follow His leading, it has been AMAZING! One of the first verses He gave me to begin meditating on was 1 Cor 6:19 - "don't you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself". Everytime I have turned around this past week, He is urging me to put the control in His hands and allow Him to work through me for self-control in this area. As your devotion said, it isn't a terrible problem for me, I am not extremely overweight, but I am not honoring God with His temple. God has brought along side me a girlfriend that we are now accountability partners in this, to honor God with our intake of food and our excercise. 1 John 2:16 was a verse He spoke to me through the other night. I have always taken pride in my diet, excercise, purity, finances. And one by one, He has torn those down and shown me my pride is to be in Him, and through doing that, He will provide the strength to endure temptation. Thank you for being faithful to His calling on your life! God bless!
Jennifer
jennfripp@yahoo.com
family@familydevotions.org
Lysa-
I too understand your issues. Four years ago I set out to lose weight and I did, matter-of-fact I'm proud to say I lost 90 pounds, went from a size 24 to 10/12. I thought I looked decient, exercised ate right, but you know what, I put my weight loss before my family. I now sit here typing this email with the battle of a life time, I have gained 20 pounds in the last 7 months. My husband left me after 15 years of marriage and I'm misserable all I want to do is eat. I keep trying to get back on the right track and not use food for comfort. When I read your blog today I thought that's it, I have to have God with me to do this. I have to focus on Him and not on worldly things or on man, just as the Bible tells us. So I'm taking your challenage to eat healthier foods and put my focus where it needs to be. I know I couldn't have made it the past 7 months if it hadn't been for God and this website. I'm now ready to take the next step forward and enjoy losing weight again, enjoy exercising and doing it with my kids and with God. Thank you so much for allowing God to work through you to speak to me. I now know what I have to do. I have to have the faith and focus.
God's Blessings to you,
Leann
klme_schulz@sbcglobal.net
Hi Lysa!
I also use Proverbs 31 as my morning devotion. And I am always extra happy on mornings when I see your devotion is posted.
Most of my adult life I have had to battle the food temptation war.
About 2 years ago, in searching the scriptures, God showed me what I needed to hear - He is So Good!!!!
"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." 1Cor. 6:19-20 NIV
Wow!! Talk about a shock to the system! If I am truly housing the Holy Spirit - how can I not make it the best home possible for Him!
I joined Weight Watchers and stuck firmly to the program. I had to understand that I did not need as much food as I was putting into my body - and learned what all that extra "junk" was doing to my system.
Well, I am so grateful for God's wisdom on this - because I did lose 50 pounds!! I must admit that about 7 pounds have found their way back - so although I learned how to eat the correct way, I need to get back to writing down every morsel that goes in, because that temptation never goes away. Satan never takes a break, and since the flesh is so weak, we need to not only pray about it - but do our best to fight against it.
In a way, I see the "food battle" is really like our spiritual battle. The devil will take hold anywhere he can - we always have to recognize that if it is not good, and according to God's Word, it is not of God. That piece of cake, bag of chips, or that box of Cheez Its, is a treat from God when it is a small piece, or a few snacks in the hand - but Satan wants us to "pig out", eat the whole thing and ultimately feed him. Which in turn, will only cause us to dishonor God, and make an unhealthy home for the Holy Spirit.
Thank You God for being here for us. I pray that each woman fighting this "food fight" will look to YOU, and find Your Encouragement and Strength that they need to overcome this constant battle. In Jesus Name.
Dear Lisa,
Thank you so much for your devotional today and for your blog. I can so relate to struggles with food issues! Thank you for pointing out the spiritual as well as physical struggles when it comes to eating. Why does everything taste so good? It is so hard to quit when food tastes so good, but I know we are called to honor God with our body and to not be a glutton!
Thank you for sharing with us. I can't wait to read your book!
rcannady@rose.net
The problem with humankind is that every time God gives us something to enjoy, we abuse it. Food, sex, entertainment (TV), you name it! He gives us these things out of love. If God didn't want us to have them, then we wouldn't have them. But He gives them to us out of love. The problem with our sinful nature is that we inevitably abuse the gifts given to us.
The problem, obviously is not food itself. It's not even the enjoyment of food that is a problem. It's the dependence and bondage to food that you, Lysa, have described (and that so many of us are guilty of), that is the problem.
God wants to set us free from all kinds of bondage. ALL kinds. And allowing Him to free you from the bondage of food is something that I'm sure He is thrilled about! We all have our weaknesses. God is just waiting on us to admit them and let Him help us.
Thank you so much for being such an open book, Lysa. Your humility and willingness to share your struggles is more encouraging and helpful than all the pious advice in the world. Declaring to everyone that you need Jesus just as much as the next girl is the best witness you could possibly give!
Just yesterday morning I found myself face down asking God to take control of the obsession I have with food. As Beth Moore says, to go up...you have to get face down. This morning I find the Encouragement for the Day so appropriate. I have struggled with my weight for years with the up and down weight, secretly eating when no one was around, making excuses, and the cycle continues. I made a commitment yesterday morning that I would no longer fight this alone. I needed the Lord to hold my hand and get me through this tough battle that lies ahead. Thank you for your openness and I look forward to this journey.
Melony Burnett
meldburnett@yahoo.com
Wow! How many of us do NOT struggle with food? I deal with this on a daily basis as I try to make the right food choices for both me and my kids. In addition to preserving my own health (and maintaining my temple) I need to be a good example to them, and so often I am not. Thanks for pointing out that overeating or making unwise food choices is not just a lifestyle issue that affects your body, but a spiritual issue that affects your soul.
I've been overweight for most of my life and I'm honest enough to admit (at least here!) that I've used food to fill up some emotional emptiness. I can invent all sorts of excuses but in my heart of hearts I *know* where the problem lies, and it's not with my appetite. I am a Type 2 diabetic and when my doctor put me on a new medication last year, she told me that it might help me lose some weight. It did - I've lost 45 pounds! I weigh less now than when I graduated from high school but I still need to lose another 30 pounds. I worry about how I'll maintain the weight loss when I no longer have the medication to help suppress my appetite. Now is the time to lay this down at His feet and admit that I'm powerless over it.
What spoke to me today in your "Honestly" devotion is the word "courage" in the prayer. I think of myself as a very courageous woman who by the grace of God has overcome a childhood devastated by an alcoholic, abusive parent. Yet I allow chips and dip and PBJ's to completely do me in! What am I thinking?
The key is also in the prayer: rely on God's strength! I rely on Him for the "big" stuff but this "little" problem of overeating I think I can handle on my own. That has to change. I need to fully let God take control of my life.
First, I LOOOOOVE the title of your new book. Cant wait for it!
Second, In Genesis I cant help but picture "HUNGRY" from the new Weight Watchers commercials. TRYING to get to us in every possible way. Taunting us and egging us on with all those glorious things. After all, hes cute isnt he??
Then in 1 John...we are reminded that sinfulness doesnt get us anywhere. Gratifying our lusts and desires right now does not give us life in the end. I cant help but think, Id be the one at the end of the line doing the 20/20 check, thinking...if I could do it over...I would have done this.
My goals right now are to live my life right the first time. Each day is a struggle, but each day I am one more step up on the ladder of pureity.
Then lastly (is that even a word?) congratulations on your healthful ventures! You go girl! You rock!
I get frustrated because I can't share my struggle with weight with others. I don't look over weight, but I have terrible arthritis in my knees and hips, and even that extra 5-10 lbs can be enough to leave me in great pain after only a mile walk.
Thank you for the reminder, that I can go to God about eating/exercising for my health, even when I can't go to a friend.
Love,
Linda Collingswood, NJ
Lysa,
Thank you so much for your HONEST talk about weight and food issues. I was an overweight child, an anorexic high school/college kid, and an overweight adult until my journey toward wholeness began last November.
I had prayed and prayed and prayed for decades for God to change my heart and my desires. I had cycled through times of "healthy eating and losing weight" and then through times of "God doesn't really care about me or He'd help me with this so I'll just eat whatever I want and see what happens".
Last Thanksgiving I was praying and thanking God for all the good in my life, all the blessings, all the wonderful things when I started to pray for all the heartache He'd allowed in my life. All the bad stuff, all the hard stuff, all of it. It was one of the few times in my life that I truly sensed the Holy Spirit leading me and guiding me. I was mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually exhausted after praying. I had never experienced anything like that before. I believe during that prayer time I finally, wholly, truly gave my food/weight/eating issues over to God and I have been blown away by His response!
I'm not saying "I'm cured" ~ but I am saying that God has been with me every step of the way when I invite Him DAILY (sometimes hourly or by the minute!) to lead my eating and to guide me and to give me the desire to follow Him. I have learned so much along the way ... and one of the biggest things is that I don't have to love the food I'm eating. I can be filled up with good, healthy food and it may not taste as sweet or rich as other foods ~ but I will be filled and satisfied and feel SO MUCH better eating a healthy meal than anything else. And that my friend, was big, PRICELESS news to me.
So that is what strikes me most about the Scriptures ... when Eve saw that it was "good for food and pleasing to the eye" she allowed Satan to tempt her. She could have been satisfied with all the other food God had provided, but she took what looked good.
I have lost 38 pounds since Thanksgiving and I haven't felt this good in years! I'd like to lose another 5-10 pounds and I am trusting God that it will happen. He is good and faithful and I believe His promise to never leave me!
Thank you again for your honesty and openness ~ you are a blessing to me and to so many others!
Patricia
Hi Lysa,
I, too, have battled the unhealthy food addiction cycle for years. For about 10 years I provided healthy eating for our family of five children with a totally natural diet. We had children with allergy problems and some behavioral issues that I realized were being triggered by additives, artificial substances, sugars, food colors, etc. And this was back in the 70's when healthy eating wasn't as big a subject as it is today. As a preacher's wife I was seen as somewhat of an odd ball and some even thought I was depriving my children of a way of life with sweets, etc.
All that to say that as the children grew up and took their God-planned places in the world, I began to slink back to unhealthy eating. About a year ago, as I really unpacked my addiction, I began to go back to why I was so attracted to things that I KNEW weren't the kinds of fuel my body needed. God has written a glory story out of the abuse story I lived as a child and out of that look back I realized the role food played in my world. First of all, with alcoholic parents and being very poor, there wasn't always food and certainly not necessarily healthy food. It was sometimes eat what you can find in a kitchen full of rotting leftovers. So as an adult who could have access to food anytime I wanted, it became a "reward" I gave myself. It was a way of control, a power I have to treat myself for whatever I thought I deserved a treat for. Food became my idolatry - my comfort - a way I could guarantee myself a momentary warm fuzzie. So, for me, a portion of getting my eating back to healthy has been to understand why I desire to grab that which won't edify me, see the lies for what they are, have compassion for the story from which the came, but grow up to the healing and healthy woman I am and make good choices. It is a daily battle. Satan wants me to lose and fall back into idolatry. Sometimes it's actually standing at the check out counter and praying against the whispers of evil.........it's just one little candy bar, you've worked really hard, you deserve it, it will taste so yummy and bring such comfort..yada, yada, yada. I now hear the whispers of evil quite clearly and can most days make wise choices on my behalf.
Today's post is so very helpful to me. I used to deny that my unhealthy eating habits were a sin and used the very same phrases that you did to justify turning to food for comfort instead of God. Those around me, even my Christian friends, don't take the sin of food idoltry and the resulting shame seriously. It is all something we joke about - at least on the surface. Satan didn't lie when he said "We would know good from evil" if we ate what we shouldn't, he just didn't tell us the full truth. He didn't tell us about the feelings of guilt and shame, not just after the initial eating of the forbidden item, but also when dealing with the resulting obesity and health issues that come as result of a lifetime of poor eating habits. We must to turn to Jesus for forgiveness so we don't get caught in a vicious cycle of eating, guilt, eating, guilt...
Hi Lysa-
Today was the first time I have read your blog. The like was in today's "Encouragement for Today" email. I usually pass over these daily emails simply because I am too "busy" to spend the time reading the little devotional. Today, I decided to read and lo and behold, the very sin issue I have been struggling with was at front and center.
I have always done what you have done- make excuse after excuse. My husband has even asked me (more than once) to eat healthier and to exercise more so that I can be more attractive. I am not even extremely overweight and I tend to compare myself to other women. "I'm not as overweight as _____," or "I'll never let myself get like that." What I have lost sight of is the condition of my heart. I have neglected this issue far too long and I have prayed that my husband would just be content with me.
My focus must be on first, honoring the Lord in the way I treat my body and also in dethroning the idol of food. I also must submit to the desire of my husband so that I can be beautiful and pleasing to him. I must first please my Lord and Savior first so that I can minister to the most important person in my life- my husband. It doesn't matter what other women are like because he is not married to them. He's married to me.
Thank you so much for your encouraging words.
Arlene Jinata, Vallejo, CA
Dear Lysa,
Thank you so much for filling my heart with the word of God with your words. It is like the blindfold slipped a little of my eye, like when trying to play pin the tail on the donkey. You're not supposed to peek, but sometimes we do. Well I don't only need to peek I need to take the blindfold off and start living on purpose for what God has planned for me. I don't think that means just filling my body with food, any food that makes me feel good, as I eat it, but usually not after. It is said we are our worst critics. My Heavenly Father has such great plans for me, I need to get back in sync with all three areas of my life. Physical, Spiritual, and Emotional. Again, thank you for your devotion. I pray and look forward to keeping you updated on my journey. I look forward to pack for this one :) Proverbs 31 devotions, a healthy menu and a good pair of running shoes and my IPOD!
Blessings,
Kris
kristina_aolsen@yahoo.com
How encouraging to read this devotional and all these posts this morning. I too have struggled with my weight for most of my 44 years. I was brought up with very unhealthy habits, and still go for what is "easy" most of the time.
I, like many others, also know what I SHOULD do. I KNOW which foods are better for me, I KNOW I need to move enough to burn the calories I'm taking in, I KNOW I can do all things through Christ... my kids learned a verse in AWANA, and I may not be quoting it exact, but it's basically "if you know these things, happy are you if you do them". DUH!!! I have proved this by NOT doing them, and NOT being happy! I continue in my lazy selfish ways. Someone posted that we make things more complicated then they are. Absolutely true for me. This isn't complicated. I am lazy and selfish! I can't stand how I look or how I feel, yet I continue in my ways. God even gave me a few gallstones to help encourage me to eat better. Those attacks are NOT fun. I have changed a lot of my eating habits, but I still do not exercise at all. We homeschool our 5 kids, so I am home, around food all day (or running kids to sports)... And when I am tired, forget it. I go back to "easy". But, as God so often does, He is using my kids to better get my attention. My oldest is already overweight because of poor eating habits (she DOES exercise). I've tried to instill in my kids better habits then I grew up with, and encourage them to be active in whatever sport they like... without overly focusing on appearance... more of a focus on healthy, not necessarily skinny. But... actions speak louder then words, and I know when they see their mom, they do not see *healthy*.
I don't think I have ever doubted who God is. Even coming to faith as an adult, I believe that He is exactly who He says He is. I believe He wants this temple to be healthy and can give me the strength and courage to achieve that. I never doubt that He can... but I sometimes struggle with the "why would He want to?". Why do we do anything good for our own kids? Because we love them, we like to see them healthy and happy, and because it makes us look good! God is no different. I just need to remind myself that my obedience in this area will make me healthy, and give Him glory! I HATE when my kids do something unwise, and I ask them "why did you do that?" and get a shoulder shrug as a reply. I need to quit shrugging my shoulders at God and just do the things I know to do.
Lysa you are the bomb, girl! Your honesty is so refreshing and helpful and we women can ALL relate...we are ALL like Eve!
Here is my small 2 cents: what I keep getting back to and what God keeps (repeatedly) reminding me is that the foods He put on the planet to nourish us are healthy. Think about what God provides for us: food from the bounty of His amazing earth....fruits, vegetables and protein. Not processed, man-made, worldly foods! If we sit still long enough and listen to His voice, we KNOW EXACTLY what to eat.
I have recently been tempted in another area of life and I am comforted and reminded by 1 Cor. 10:13..."God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it."
We just need to listen and it is all there for us to truly KNOW! Prase the Lord!
Love,
Steph.
I had never thought about how Eve's battle was with food before. Crazy that my thoughts never went that direction. I now relate to her OH so much more!!
I'm not quite sure how I came upon the knowledge of you and your book that you're writing. I do believe that it didn't "just happen". I have been trying to lose weight for the past 4-5 months, but have been struggling. It's those last 10-15 lbs I am working on. I firmly believe that God has a plan for me. In Jeremiah 29:11, it reads, "For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." I have been trying to focus on Gods promises. For a very long time, my all time favorite verse has been Phil. 4:13, "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." This is so true; however, I believe it is time to search out other promises that God has for me also. I had at one time, lost 26 lbs. but eventually fell off the track. I listened to the false truths whispering to me saying, just one little bite of that twizzler won't hurt you. I believed that lie just as Eve did in the Garden. One twizzler led to another, and before I knew it, I consumed the WHOLE bag.
Now I am getting back on track and walking closer with the Lord. I don't need to settle for those things, knowing that I have much more waiting for me in the promises of the Lord. I am relying on the Lord's strength for more self-discipline in my life. He is the one I go to, starting my day with Him in the morning, and consulting Him all through the day.
I love the Lord. I am concentrating on things above.
for, "He who is in you is GREATER than he who is in the world".
I am looking forward to your book.
In Christ,
Sharon
I'm totally with you on having to stop, evaluate and realize that I am the only one who can do any changing...and no fun that it is, so absolutely necessary!
I'm a SAH-WAHM and feel that most days I only get part of it right...I either do well on loving on my kids and cleaning house, but no work, or a good bit of work, some cleaning & pacify the kids with TV - if I really stop to evaluate...most of my shortcomings are directly related to my selfishness and wanting to spend my extra time surfing the web, blog reading, etc, instead of doing the responsibilities that I should. thanks for this great reality check!
Oh, December Rose, there are dozens and dozens of us out here!!
Thank you Lysa, for being willing to challenge my excuses! I need to lose about 25 pounds but haven't been willing to look at my excuses and let God take control. I am in a different season of life now, being partially retired and I tend to be a snack grazer. Today, I will do battle with that tendency and work to give it to the Lord. You are a blessing!
Suoer great topic. This is definetely a God moment for me!! A really great friend was laid to rest Tuesday. She was a health- "freak" (she wouldn't mind me saying that!) I have been convicted to turn my eating around and be much more healthy. Somewhat as a tribute to her (I try ANYTHING to motivate myeslf!!) I am inspired and now even more motivated to press toward that goal. I am now going to go have my glass of water (my friend always pushed this) and my healthy snack and avoid the vending machine upstairs! Thank you Lisa and all of you for your posts!!
I have to say - I feel kind of convicted today.
Those verses from yesterday's post kicked me in my very pregnant rear.
And so did today's devo. In so many ways. What a powerful question to ask ourselves:
"How am I doing?"
I'm praying today that God reveals to me how HE thinks I'm doing and what I should do about it - in every area.
I love how you make me think about the deep stuff.
Sweet Blessings to you,
Kate :)
khthankful@hotmail.com
Lysa,
Thanks for your honesty. I have really been struggling in this area also and it is so good to see and read all the other comments and realize that it is not just me. Satan is such a liar and deceiver. I can't seem to shed these 20lbs I need to lose and I have every excuse in the book. My friend that I exercise with has recently lost her 15 - 20 lbs and I am so jealous! We have always been the exact same weight, no matter if we are heavier or thinner. I have tried weight watchers and other kinds of diets and am faithful about exercise (which I do not enjoy one bit). I hate the thoughts of adding more to my routine. I recently went to the health food store and filled my fridge with organic veggies and fruits and then went to Taco Mayo for a chili-cheese burrito and a taco because I didn't want to take the time to prepare anything right at that moment. What a mind game I have been playing. I haven't given it over to the Lord, because I know I will have to change something and I guess I am not ready to give up some of the yummy food I love so much. I tell myself "your not that bad. You should just be content the way you are. After all you did have chemo and radiation 5 years ago and that has just messed up your system, so this is just the way it is going to be. Get used to it." Now I know this is not true because we recently went to Africa and I lost 8 lbs in 2 weeks, because I didn't really care for a lot of the food we had, so I know if I did things God's way it would come off. When we came home I went right back to my old ways and put those 8 lbs right back on. Oh, by the way I am a cheez-it and chocolate girl myself. I'm looking forward to reading your new book. I am going to start praying that God will settle this in my mind. It really is a moment by moment- day by day battle with me, but I am bound and determined that satan will not win this one.
Thanks for the scripture, Steph - I'm going to use that, along with "I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me." I think a scripture should be the first thing on my grocery list, to help me to focus on what I'm shopping for and not deviate. Don't know why I haven't done that before... invite God to go grocery shopping with me.
What great comments about the struggle with food!!! I've struggled with my weight since I was small, I've never been extremely over weight but was still teased as a child. As an adult this has lead to a low self esteam that God has had to show me was lies from Satan!!! Food was always a comfort for me too. I now am a fitness instructor but still seem to have issues with making myself eat healthy. God has helped take away cravings for some of the unhealthy things I used to binge on but I'm always having to turn back to Him during times of struggle. Thanks to all of you who have shared, it is great to know there are others with the same issues. May God bless you all today!
Carole
Lysa - your blog is such an inspiration and I am very interested in the "diet" you're following. I'm an emotional eater and even more so now as I'm going through a divorce. Thanks for your humor and honesty about your life. God bless as you write your new book.
Monica mlorenzano@yahoo.com
This hit me to my core. Not only do I struggle with my weight, but I had old habits from my youth that make being healthy in a stressed life very difficult. I am so thankful that I do have a group of friends who have the same struggles. We are starting a First Place study to get control of our lives and our eating. I am thrilled that we can get together and talk about our issues and learn about God through our weight struggle.
what a great idea december Rose. I'm going to try that from now on. A favorite scripture that has meaning to you gives you strength.
Hi Lysa, I was so entranced with your devotional today, because I have recently felt God pressing on my heart to feed my body (temple!) healthier, and get up earlier (gasp!) to walk and talk with him. It has not been easy! Strangely enough, I have also pondered Eve lately and how she was in PARADISE and still was tempted by food. I really appreciated your perspective and would love to read your book!
How funny that of all days we should be discussing food today when I have decided to start a 7 day fast for a very serious issue in my family. Food is such a part of our lives and all that God created is good. How many things, including processed foods, has man created that is not good. We have been led astray.Food is a struggle for me. It delights are senses. Father, help to keep my eyes on the true "Bread of Life."
Thanks for sharing. I pray we can all be strong in doing what is right and not let evil take hold of our thoughts.
Dearest Lysa,
As I read the devotion and post for today tears filled my eyes. Why? Because God's word has the power to cleanse and set free and I know this. Yet, I keep turning to other things instead of Him.
I've been struggling with weight issues since college and just like Eve, I've allowed the devil to feed me lies--a few chips won't hurt -- one more cookie is just a few more calories. The problem is that these "things" control me at times. I've successfully lost weight twice and then became pregnant. True there were days when I felt famished most of the day, but instead of making healthy choices I just ate whatever I could get to. The results of my willful disobedience - weight gain, too small clothes and lots of guilt and stress.
Why? Why? Why do I choose to obey my flesh time and time again? Just the other day, I was craving Doritos and I began to pray. I told the Lord that I desired the words of His mouth more than my daily bread (Job 23:12). I stopped and asked the Lord to help me make right choices. Hours later I had forgotten all about the chips and it felt great! He tells us that if we are willing and obedient, we will eat the good of the land.
Since I had my 9 week old boy, I have lost about 27 lbs. Each day is a struggle and it presents a choice - obey or disobey - God or food. His word always put things in perspective for me and I've found that if I don't begin my day with His word I lose perspective and things seem more chaotic than they actually are. God Bless You and the ladies at P31 ministries! Keep praying for your readers.
"Eat to live, don't live to eat", easier said than done though, right? I find "comfort" in food and have dealt with weight issues most of my entire life. I would seriously concentrate on losing weight and get down to a size that I was really happy with only to have something "bad" happen in my life, (in 2000 my husband had a stroke and a week later I lost my dad. Then in 2007 I lost my mom) I come from a very small family, my mom and dad were only children and I only have one sister. So now I'm down to my one sister and my two kids. I'm getting close to 50 and it seems harder to lose weight now then it did when I was younger. After reading this devotion and some of the other comments I'm sure I've probably just been using "life happenings" as an excuse. Thanks so much for the devotion and I'm looking forward to reading your new book and with God on my side nothing is impossible. Thanks again for such a much needed devotion.
Lysa, Wow! You really seem to have a handle on the whole rationalization/excuse issue - perhaps I need to print out your entry and re-read it before grocery shopping, making dinner, or anytime I'm about make choices about food! Fruits and veggies are a huge focus at our house and I always challenge my kids to add a 'food that God made' to every meal. (Sometimes they do!) We also support our nutrition with fruits and veggies in a capsule/chewable (Juice Plus+) if you've heard of it. It takes away some of the guilt knowing that the nutrition is there everyday. Then we can focus on our 'baby steps' of adding a veggie here or fruit there or eliminating unhealthy ingredients like hydrogenated oils. Making sure my kids eat healthier has been a huge motivator for me - I want them to have a good model and that makes me try harder. Thank you for your insight and encouragement!
Good morning Lysa,
It's so nice to be slapped in the face..not just the weight train, but how God is always listening-and answering our prayers.
You see I'm borderline obese..ok denial, according to that lovely BMI chart I am obese...seriously how could this happen to a formerly small person..not tiny but never over weight. And it could not have anything to do with "winging" it, running children in 10 different directions.
God designed us to make choices. Your message comes on a day when I need it most, we have to choose our food wisely whether it's spiritual food or physical food...and we have to plan accordingly. God left nothing to chance..He has planned everything to the last detail and yet we live lives as if we should do any different-well I do anyway.
On Monday I started a food tracking log..man let me tell that's an eye opener..now I'm planning my meals, my meal times..and drawing to the Lord for strength.
Thank you so much for the inspiration.
I am totally standing in awe of the whole 'compromise' thing this morning! It is hitting very deep...as a girl who is very much wanting to live in all that her God has promised her...I am now thinking about what my compromises have kept me from!
WOW... here I am complaining in my quiet time about not hearing or feeling God ... and yet I constantly ignore His prompts to help me make wise eating choices... can you say SIN?... yet I want to push Him away with lame excuses that "I deserve it", "I need it", "oh, just this once" or "that wasn't really God"... ooh this hurts... and I've got so much to learn about immediate obedience... thanks for this connection.....I think....
I know cravings are very real. I have had them. I know that I could never had eaten only 1 brownie without going back again and again, but I will tell you ladies issues of weight are a symption of other issues. It is not a weight/food issue it is a spiritual battle. I asked God recently to reveal to me anything in my life that was a bondage. He did. Interestingly enough I was carrying some generational baggage. I learned that Satan's tactics are very slick. He can twist things into the ugliest lies and you may not even know they exist. Much like Eve there were lies in the back of my mind stirred there from the enemy which would rear its ugly head at times under certain triggers. Tied to these generational curses was insecurity and fear. This insecurity was a full time battle. You would not know it was there. I am a leader in my church, succesful career woman, mom to amazing kids, wife to an amazing husband. Not your typical insecure person. Food and weight were an issue in my life and Satan used all these things to build walls and subconsciously I used my weight issues against my husband. Sounds very crazy, but ladies I am telling you its real. God showed me that through some hurts and listening to Satans lies I was weak and used my weight, in part, to punish my husband. Satan had used lies to make me believe my husband was the reason for my insecurity. Sounds ugly, but I did not know it was there. I would have told you that the answer to my problems was losing the weight and yet I was subconsciously working against myself. I wanted to be thin and I knew it was my responsiblity to God to have a healthy temple for His purposes. My rational mind and Satan's lies were raging against one another. Once I allowed God to show me this I kicked Satan to the curb. I lost 17 pounds in 3 weeks. (6 inches off my waist alone) My desire for food was gone. Some days I had to remind my self to eat 3 times a day so I would be healthy. I started exercising every day. Started with just riding a stationary bike at first as much as I could and now have added some strenthening exercises. I have lost 21 pounds in a a total of 5 weeks. The 2nd 20 is coming off slower and yes I have to work at it. I believe God is teaching me self discipline and to respect myself through it. My husband was part of the key to unlocking this bondage. I was very honest with him about what I was thinking and sometimes I didn't know what I was thinking and he talked it through with me. He is a very godly husband and by opening up this whole thing to him I have more strength. The key to getting out of the bondage of food or any issue is as soon as Satan comes in, tell him the truth. As soon as you hear the lie, tell him the truth. That is what Jesus did, everytime Satan told him a lie, he told him the truth. And don't let anything be in the dark. If there are things in your life discuss them openly with your spouse or a good christian friend. Darkness cannot live in the light. Jesus died for us, he took Adam and Eve's sin upon him. How different it would have been if Eve had gone to Adam and talked it out. First of all she would not be standing there giving Satan the time of day and she would have walked away from the temptation. I'll bet neither of them would have eaten the apple. Keeping in mind that they were in daily communion with God. If you aren't in daily communion with God you will not have the truth for Satans lies. I am free, free of the lies, free of the curses and in just a short time I will be free of all the excess baggage "weight". And my very happy marriage is now extraordinary!
Hi Lysa, wow this has hit home. Thank you for being a great example of a Godly woman. Right now at this time in my life I am struggling with Diabetes Type 2. I knew that I was borderline a few years ago but I let stress, busyness at work and life just overtake me. My husband tried to tell me but I would not listen. I even was afraid to go to the doctors for I knew they would give me bad news. How crazy is this? I am in bondage and food was and has been my comfort area. In May I went to the doctors and we are working together as a team to help get my diabetes under control. PTL!!! I am making major adjustments in my life right now to eat proper and to get healthy. Is it hard, yes! But my 9 year old daughter said it best, she said "Mom, I will help you eat proper as she too has given up some things and that she wants me to be around to see all the other good things God has for us." That was certainly an eye opener. So although I have alot of work to do, I WILL CONTROL MY DIABETES and not let it control me. Praying for everyone's success! Thank you Lysa and the Proverbs 31 Ministry Team! This is awesome! God is so Good!!!
Your message today was inspirational! And as a follower of Christ, I thought I was serving Him with all my heart, mind and soul. But the truth be told I was also serving food as my god. For comfort, joy and content!
There are two sides to a fence, we as Christians can be fooled by Satan. We believe we are walking in truth and love and serving the Lord to our fullness, but when it comes to food that's another story.
Food can be deceptive, and it comes in all colors, flavors and yes, even shapes. It all looks innocent and of course it’s going to be satisfying for our hunger pains (for the moment). But the truth about it, it is truly for the moment and then we look back at our life’s 10-20 or even 30 years later and say to ourselves how did I get this way?
It was easy we went to our comfort zone (Food). So which side of the fence were we on all these years looking back, apparently not on the right side? We needed to be on HIS side where the Lords says come to me and Thirst no more and you will be satisfied. (Pharphrased) How could I have been so deceived for so long? I am embarrassed and ashamed as Eve was, I want to hide and not come outside again. No wonder others look at me and my 100 plus pounds I have gained. What are others thinking about me? What am I thinking about myself? I have become numb and oblivious to my situation. It wasn't until a little over 2 weeks ago, the Spirit spoke to my heart in the wee hours of the morning and showed me what I have become, an oversized blimp!
Have you ever looked into the mirror and still never looked into the mirror, you see your face, and somehow, somehow from the neck down you see no more. You are blinded by the truth of your reflection; you are unconsciously thinking if I can’t see it, others can’t either. But it goes back to the word of God, the Lord see us from the inside out.
If we were to look from the outside in, our Temple of the Lord has been defiled by deception of the flesh, if it looks good, feels good or TASTE good it must be good! Satan’s lies! The wrong side of the fence!
But the Lord is merciful and forgives us, and because He loves us so much, he helps us to get back to the right side of the fence again!
I now struggle when I go to the store, what to purchase, and what is good for me and I read calorie amounts and then I read serving amounts, but I also learned to look for sodium amounts. This can be harmful, less calories sure, but a whole lot of sodium, another trick of Satan’s on the food label. Diet sodas can you, 0 cals but a whole load of salt! So the pounds don't go away. Please keep me in your prayers as I go through this journey of getting back to where I belong. Since I have gained so much weight, I have no friends I have isolated myself and I need love and prayers and support of others. How many others out there are also as I am.
Just a thought, since this is such a great website, is there any way you can keep a blog open on this subject alone, so we can help and encourage each other daily in this area we all seem to be having trouble with?
In Christ’s love
Kathy from OKC
Lysa and fellow readers. I too have been challenged over the past 6 months with getting off my duff, and trying to cut the strings that so strongly hold me captivated. It all started the week before Christmas.
My husband stepped on a scale and went hmm...that is too much. Now it,for him, was this dramatic lights on switch that suddenly allowed him a group of guys to work out with. Since that day they have faithfully worked out together (on the equipment downstairs) five days per week. Grunting, yelling, and motivating each other through a 25 pound weight loss, and tremendous muscle gain. And there I am left without a friend to do this with, an illogical frustration that my husband chose this and I just get to continue being overweight.
Fast forward six months and since then I have looked at the equipment, bought more workout things, and tweaked my eating habits some. I made a small progress of seven pounds. That was short lived and here I am.
I am struggling with the mental battle. I am struggling with the physical battle. I am struggling with the spiritual battle. Since reading the devotion today the verse sticks to my heart, "Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them so that everyone may see your progress." 1 Timothy 4:15.
I am a starter, it is the marathon that gives me so much struggle. It hurts, I whine, I try and fail small so I give up big. Thank you for sharing your gift of writing via this blog. I am grateful for a chance to read and know I am not alone. I think this is the time to move forward and do something. I need to face these battles, to allow God to work on my stubborness more than I need that yummy milkshake.
With love,
Brandy
it is so true that food can become something we worship, desire, look forward to, ... it's an idol to many of us when we turn to food for comfort instead of turning to God. i've heard that fasting regularly (once a month, once a week) for even one or two meals would also show me how much of a hold food has over me. How we need to rely on God ever the more so that He controls our lives, and not ourselves, our selfish desires, etc.
keep on writing!! love what you write and share with us.
Your devotion really struck home with me. I love the Lord so much and want to serve Him with every aspect of my life. However in doing that I have to learn to love myself His creation and I find that hard to do. My self confidence is extremely low and it is because I am overweight. I don't believe that I can actually lose weight so the diet plans don't tend to last for long. My church sisters who I love immensely really don't understand because their weight isn't an issue. I just wonder what the me underneath all of this weight would look like. Could I be beautiful too?
In my past I have been bondage to many things. Alcohol, drugs, men, ego, money, tobacco, and more. We all know that God makes good out of bad and he has proved that over and over in my life. Today, I am in bondage to food. I have been playing the justification game a lot and using my past accomplishments as validation. Truth is, they are not my accomplishments.
It is easy to say that I am allowed to eat that ice cream sandwich - better that than smoking a cigarette. I am allowed that piece of cake - at least I am not drinking or using drugs.
Fact - I do not drink and drug today because Christ has restored my life in Him and I have no need to escape.
Fact - I do not smoke today because God removed the craving when I finally made Him the reason for quitting. So, why is it that I have a strangle hold on the food?
Just reading today I am getting territorial and justifying in my head. I do not want to admit that this is another part of this world that I am using for comfort and pleasure. And then I see how the enemy jumps on the other side after I have given into the temptation and I hear the whisper of how big my butt looks in my favorite jeans.
Reading scripture tells me that it is time to take the next step. That food is of this world no matter how I look at it. It tells me that even though the enemy cannot use the powerful bondage that he has used in the past, there are much more subtle ways that he will trick me into hearing him.
Reading your perspective today, Lysa, lets me know that I am not alone in this, and that it will not change until I turn to His perfect comfort. Thank you for the tap on the shoulder.
Wow - I think it would be great to have a blog to go to for just this topic too! I posted my around 8:00 or so at #32 maybe, & now about 70 posts!!!
I came back on to read more inspiration & also to share another little tidbit to remember:
Food is to sustain ... not entertain.
This is on my fridge along with my Bible Verses to see daily, and at the appropriate time - when I open that door!
Ladies, we can take control of this with God's help!!! It's not easy, after all - this temptation resulted in the the first sin, so it's been around a long time!!
Hi, Lysa,
I like what you said about taking periodic, honest assessment of my life. It seems like I allow the things of this world to slowly creep into my life and I begin accepting these standards as the gospel of truth rather than the Word of God. I begin making choices based on the worlds standards and not by the Word of God. What I look like, what I eat, how I dress, how I act, can all be influenced by the world rather than by Word. It is the Word and Love of God through the blood of Jesus that makes me clean and gives me hope. God Bless and thanks.
Thank you for being the vessel that you are. Truly God is calling us to a higher place in Him. While me may think that "food" is the issue...He says, my dear lil one...it's much deeper than that, hence the Scriptures that you have led us to.
Since giving birth to my "finale" in November 2008, I declared that I would not sit and waddle in the excuse of..."this is just baby fat". I have lost a total of 40 lbs. But before I get too excited waving my success in the air, I could've lost between 60-80 had I been disciplined and applied the Word on a daily basis. Proverbs 16:3 reads, "Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established." We know that our thoughts lead to our actions. So, all in all, I bless God for your obedience and diligence.
This is a fit for life journey, not just a "get slim fast" scheme. God wants us in tip-top shape so that our lives can minister to others. Our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Let's be great ambassadors in that regard.
Kimberly Allison
rolodex1913@yahoo.com
Another great devo from you! I have written out on a note card-
"We were made for more than COMPROMISE!!! We were made for God's PROMISES in all areas of our life!"
I also love DecemberRose's idea of inviting God to go grocery shopping, keeping scripture on the list to keep me focused. Great idea.
I feel like my eyes have been opened to so much more, as I have been changing my eating habits and reading your blog. It has been freeing to finally see how connected spirit and body are- discipline/dying to self in both areas. This is a thrilling journey, and I can't wait to see where God takes us from here. He is so Good!!
Unbelievable, I was sooo surprised about today's devotional! Just this morning I was so devastated by having gained 5 lbs, again! And I know where they've come from. I know it! And I still do it, this issue with food has held me captive for so long... I just feel like Paul in Romans 7:24 "Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death?" And I'm just so greatful that Paul continues with verse 25: "Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord!" that's what I have to concentrate on: Jesus Christ! HE is THE answer. So thanks for being so honest about your struggles. God really used today's devotional to lift me up and bring me back on track with Him. Thank you.
Meggie from Winnipeg, MB, Canada
m_kornelsen@hotmail.com
It was as if you were talking directly to me. I despise exercise. In high school I was a cheerleader and dancer and I actively exercised because it was fun. Then I got married and had kids and have gained a lot of weight. I cannot seem to make myself go "be a gerbil" on a treadmill. For about a month I got up at 5 in the morning and ran for a half hour, and in that month I lost 13 pounds. I know exercise works, but I just would rather be fat that have to exercise when it's not fun. How selfish! But that's how I truly feel. I try to eat healthy and I haven't gained any more, I just don't lose any unless I exercise.
Lysa,
I read the devotional today. Bit by bit, your willingness to tackle food issues is hitting home with me. Thank you for being so honest about your struggles and your victories.
I prayed this morning that God would move in my life in this very area, I'm finally sick of going up and down within my strength ( I have control in so many areas of my life. I homeschool 4 kids, have various ministries, are not medically obese, have a brain tumor ( that in itself is an excuse for chocolate!)but I am letting this one slip, eating too much and too much of the wrong stuff! pb & saltines with honey is my vice!!.....) and not doing it as worship to HIM. thank you for your heart & ministry, I needed this, and I needed it TODAY...I love how he delivers when we are at the end of OURSELVES. Love sue in Massachusetts
You were speaking right to me today. I have the same issues with food--then guilt, then resolve to do better, just to go through the cycle all over again. It was so uplifting to read your column, I believe God was speaking right to me today. Thank you for your dedication.
Hinesy
What is so frustrating to me is the fact that I have been around and around and around and around this mountain so many times. I need to face this stronghold of unhealthy food (for me) head on. Do the hard work that it takes to become healthy and to remember it is so much more that just a number on the scales....
Marilyn
mandmsmith@sbcglobal.net
Thanks for your post today. I LOVE food. It however is not my main struggle. Shopping was (is) my issue. It would cause me to lie and deceive my husband and hurt our finances. Then I would have to figure out how I was going to get out of the bind. God asked me to go on a 30 day shopping fast about a month and a half ago. I say Ask because God will not force us and I had free will to choose to do so. I acceptd the fast and it was the best thing I have done. God showed me so many things in this time and grew my faith. I am not going to say I am not tempted; however, God has given me strength and also taught me to come to Him when I am tempted. God is so very good. We just have to learn to surrender and allow God to be the epicenter of our lives.
Tirzah - Louisiana
landtbourque@yahoo.com
Lisa,
I find myself in this cycle of losing, gaining and then stressing to loose again.
I realize that when there is any stress or difficult circumstances in my life is when I eat more as it is emotional eating for me but then I find that I am looking for something else in the evening.
With God's help I have been able to take off pounds and am still working on it as my health depends on eating healthy. My husband and I have both come to the stage in life where we need to change our diet or go on medication. We have both chosen to change our diet and depend more on the Lord. With doing this there have been more temptations and also more struggles. Just this week we have gone through an attack of the devil where we gave a couple a wonderful opportunity for them as a couple to concentrate on their marriage but they have taken it and used it to gossip and say negative things about us that are not pleasing to the Lord. I am talking about a pastor and his wife. This brings me to the feet of Jesus and at the same time am learning to control my emotional eating because of the stress.
Thank you for encouraging me to continue on and to seek an exercise program that I can do so that I can complete the healthy program the Lord wants me to.
Thanks.
53dmw76@gmail.com
Lysa,
When you first introduced this topic a few months ago it was like a wake up call for me. I had known for a long time that I was allowing food to be an idol in my life, but sadly falling prey to the enemy of lies. Your honesty, scriptures and encouragement have done wonders for my heart and soul...and my tummy and hips!
I pray the Lord will continue to bless you abundantly!
Oh, Lysa,
This is an area of my life that has consumed way too much time. Diverted my attention for so many years. I have had an AHA moment after reading your devotion and blog challenge today. Reading Genesis 3:3: "YOU MUST NOT EAT, YOU MUST NOT TOUCH! These words jumped out at me and confirmed the following scripture in my life.
1 Corinthians 10:23
[ The Believer's Freedom ] "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is constructive.
I have been under the assumption that I would only have to give up certain things for a time, for the time it took to get the weight off.
Now I see clearly that the LORD is asking me to stop completely. DO NOT TASTE, DO NOT TOUCH!!!
I wondered how I would ever get off of the roller coaster of weight issues and it sounds so simple, but it is not. That tree was sitting right in the middle of Eves living room and she could not taste it or touch it.
I too have bought into the enemies lies that just one little taste, one little touch will not harm me. It has!!! It has robbed me of time and freedom and focus on things for Kingdom purposes and today I will take a stand against it and with new eyes see the enemies undermining and claim God's TRUTH. Not everything is permissible or beneficial for me and by God's grace I will find His strength made perfect in my weakness.
Thank you for sharing your struggles and I am encouraged to persevere because of it.
Hello Lysa,
I've been doing your study of "What Happens When Women Walk in Faith" & just finished the LEAVING phase & am starting the FAMINE phase. I'm learning that whatever the enemy tries to hold over our heads, whether food, addictions, fear,you really can't go ahead with God until you can give it over to him & take that first step. He will empower you from there. I was reminded of the story of Ruth & Orpah when they were leaving with Naomi. Orpah decides to go back & Ruth decides to trust God & go forward. I just wonder what God would have done for Orpah if she would've just left her comfort zone. I think it's the same thing with us. We want to stay with what's comftorable for us & probably miss many unknown blessing.
Thanks for your obedience by the way Lysa. Your touching many lives through it.
wow, i always thought that God spoke to me through others and this just proves it. i have struggled with food most of my life and am currently in a overeaters anonymous to help overcome my addiction to certain foods. i have been waning lately. i have been eating the foods that fog my mind and pull me away from God. i believe it is a form of idolatry for me. i am worshiping the food and not my God. when i am choosing the correct and healthy foods for my body that God desires me to have than i feel closer to Him. I am renewing my commitment to God and my journey to be closer to Him. Thank you for your transparency and sharing your heart with all of us on a subject that is close to so many woman. God Bless!
sharlee74@emabarqmail.com
This post has been removed by the author.
It's interesting that the passage in Genesis is one that our small group read last week to discuss why we do the things we know we don't want to do/know they are sin/know the consequences of them/etc... It was a reminder that we are reliant upon God to change our hearts and that the cycle that we recognize is so destructive is truly insanity.
I appreciate the way that you encourage discussion and application in a humble, sincere way.
Thank you,
Liz
elley_01@hotmail.com
I had an very eye awakening experience today reading the information when I had written an e-mail yesterday to some one and I was writing think when i left off the k and realized what I had done and that makes it thin, then today in the readings about compromise and leaving off the com and getting promise. It was like an HAH moment in time. If I think thin and compromise to a promise I will receive the rewards of the LORD in every thing I do. But at this present time i am also struggling with my weight yet again and this really set off a light in my head. Thank you for sharing and caring and give us GOD's messages.
I am not an addictive personality--thank the Lord! But, I do struggle with eating properly and proper exercise, and have been overweight all my life.
The reason for this is one I know all too well--I take the easy way out in life. I have been blessed with a lot of things--great intelligence, an outgoing personality a superior support system to catch me when I fall. Many things came easily for me--the career I have been called to seemed to just fall into my lap at an early age. I work hard--for what benefits me. I am a loyal employee, and I am very proud of my work as a sign language interpreter.
I have a nice home, but I rarely have company over, because I do not keep up with my housework well. I am ashamed of how my home looks. I have nice clothes, however, I have trouble digging through the enormous amount of stuff I have to find something to wear daily, because it is easier to buy a few new things than to do the laundry some weeks. I tend to want something new, rather than to be satisfied with what I have, and take care of it properly.
I have an 11 week old baby boy. It took a lot of planning and work to get pregnant, and my son is healthy and well so far. I lost about 45lbs in the 6 weeks after I gave birth. I had gestational diabetes during my pregnancy (at 39-40 years old and overweight, my chances were very high), so I really watched my food and got exercise even when I didn't feel like it. I only gained about 20 lbs. My delivery was very grueling--18 hours of labor, 3 hours of active labor. My baby was 9 lbs, 4 oz at birth, and with God's help, I didn't require a c- section.
I am breastfeeding, and my boy eats a LOT. I truly have freedom to eat anything I want for the first time in my life. I have been abusing that freedom. I eat junk if I feel like junk. I eat the huge ice cream if I want it. I haven't lost any more weight, because I eat and eat and eat. I really will be doing nursing for awhile.
I pump breastmilk for my son at work, and wake up to feed him during the night. I have his room set up in an organized fashion right now. I can do the right things when it suits me.
I now understand I need God's help to keep me on track. I will not always be motivated to stay the course. I can try all the methods and programs I want, but they will not stick if I am depending on myself alone. I need to eat right, be active and do the right thing not only for myself, but for my son. I want better for him than what I have.
I have never looked at the extra blogs before--I just get the Encouragement for Today. This has truly been a blessing. I pray we can all grow. I need to become the woman He wants me to be, and the mommy my son needs. Thanks for being open and showing others the way by your example.
Carissa
angelique_cdc@yahoo.com
Lysa~
I really needed to hear this spoken straight from God's Word. My struggle is also a daily one. While I have no immediate health issues, food is an idol for me. It robs time I should be spending in so many other ways, whether ministering to my family or others to reading God's Truth. I have a horrible habit of walking in the door and just grabbing something to eat! Now I blame the stress of the adoption process - two more precious kiddos soon to come home. They should be two more reasons that I take care of myself. Thank you for reminding me this is an idol. It will require discipline and faith, but God has never invited me on a journey that He didn't provide everything I needed.
Blessings~
Connie
Not a week goes by that something you write about in your blog touches an area in my life that God is trying to get through to me about. This whole food thing is a huge battle. Like others who have commented, I have struggled with it for many years. Starving myself to lose or following other diet plans, only to gain it back and more when my guard is down. Vacations, busy schedule, family needs....you name it, I've used it as an excuse to slide off the path of eating right and exercising. I know that it is a spiritual battle and I can SO identify with Eve. A few years ago when I was told by my dr. that I was pre-diabetic and given a list of foods to avoid and those I could eat I immediately went first to what I couldn't have. Why do the things that are bad for me have to taste so good? Or do they really taste that good?
On one hand it is encouraging to know that I am not alone in this battle (the previous comments attest to that). On the other hand, how sad to see that satan us successfully using food in so many of our lives to distract us from God.
Thanks to each and everyone of you who have commented. I will be praying for you as we all continue to fight this battle, knowing that God will help us be victorious.
Lysa,
Thank you for your honesty, transparency and courage to post your own spiritual and physical struggles. For several years, I experienced the roller coaster weight problems and spiritual convictions associated with food addiction. There, I said it - addiction. Some food, like ooyey, gooyey brownies and warm chocolate chip cookies call my name and compel me to eat them, until they are gone. I'm going to eat them anyway, why not get it over with a little quicker.
Today, with the Grace of God, I am back on track. However, every meal, I need to make a decision and when wise choices prevail, I praise the Lord. Yesterday, my children and I ate at Moe's (welcome to Moe's!). My daughter ordered a kid's meal which came with a cookie. My son, who didn't get the kid's meal was not happy and cried big tears to guilt his sister into sharing. After hearing his pleas for that cookie, I decided to let my daughter enjoy her cookie all by herself while my son and I watched. Cruel, some would say, but I told my son - who also derives much pleasure from food at 7 years old - it is good for our character to resist the urge to eat every sweet which looks good. I am happy to say, my son and I both survived without eating the cookie and my daughter enjoyed the entire portion.
Another recent victory came when a plate of chips were placed smack dab in front of my face during an entire meal with friends. I, without guilt, enjoyed 3 or 4 chips then was able to say, "no more and you wimpy chips have no power over me!"
I will revel in the victories my Good Lord gives me until I stand on top of a mountain of victories and look down upon the valley of chips, brownies, donuts which I willingly denied through the power of Christ!
God Bless You Lysa,
Theresa Anderson
Good Morning Lysa, I am #94
I also know that being overweight is not the image God has for me as his daughter. I am to reflect him in his temple, my body. I do no not want to loose for vanitys sake. But for Gods glory. He has been listening to my heart and prayers recently. I know this is a spiritual journy of weight lose.
I love nature and being outside and would often fantisize about getting up early and going on bike rides for my exercise. No BIKE was my excuse. No longer, God sent me a beautiful mountain bike at resale. Next, I wanted to eat healthy and eat my Veggies, ( don't like many) He sent me a juicer. $1.00 garage sale.
Now I found you! Must be a God thing. He is good all the time....He says open your mouth and fill it with my words..... ummmm sweet as honey.
debbie@adproductsusa.com
I would love to read your book!
Lysa,
Oh My! As a 2 1/2 year old Christian it STILL amazes me when God speaks to me! Like so many other responders, I NEEDED this word this morning. In the last year and a half I've lost 40 lbs.; yes, I'm HAPPY about that but at age 58 and 190+ I need to drop a few more. The only reason I was able to stay focused this season of my life is because a friend said to me, you can ask God to help you! I thought, how can that be? Why would God want to listen to a request to help me lose weight! BUT THAT'S JUST WHAT HE DID; yes, it was a slow process but I feel better. And just last night I was praying and asking God to help me get back that desire to finish what I started...and this morning I open P13 and THERE IS GOD'S ANSWER! Food is an idol for me, I just didn't realize it until I read your posting! I realize now that I can do this! God is my provider, my strength, my rock; all things are possible through Him!
Blessings,
Jackie
I too am struggling to eat better and start a new, healthier lifestyle. I think what Eve and the rest of us are fighting is a deliberate diversion created to take our thoughts from God. My pastor was recently talking about honouring creation. We fall into that category and yet how many of us take the time to realize that these bodies truly belong to God? In such an individualistic, self-oriented society, it's easy to get into a "My" mindset. My tree, my children, my body. Yet none of these things truly belong to us. God holds the deeds to everything.
Yes, eating better leads to feeling better and looking better, but other added benefit is that it honours God and when we start to pay attention, suddenly the food we have chosen doesn't take us away from God, but closer to Him. All of those things we crave and drool over are only a cheap and flashy distraction from the truth. They capture our minds and make us forget what's important, we think we deserve them somehow which inflates our importance and takes us even further from our Creator. He gave us what we need to be healthy, we only need to choose to accept it.
As much I don't want to admit it I am held in bondage to food. How can that be when I claim a victorious life in Christ Jesus? I find the answers in these 2 verses. God's Word is clear in giving us direction in setting boundaries for righteous living...."but do not eat or touch the fruit from the tree in the midst of the garden or lest you shall die". "Do not love the world or the things in it, or the Love of God will not be in you. Whao! those are consequences I'd rather not deal with. So what can I do to avoid such a thing? Well, first I need to obey God's direction and live within His boundaries. He made that possible through the death and resurrection of His Son Although God allowed satan to tempt Ev, He also made Himself available for counsel. Why didn't she confer with her Father before she made an unwise choice that would affect her and her husband forever. Maybe she was like you and me and forgot she was expected to live by faith (trusting in the hope of the unseen) and chose to live by sight. She could only see that the fruit was tempting and enjoyable, but she couldn't see the life altering effects it would have.
I'm reminded of the abundant life God intended for her to have over the life the world had to offer. Had she just gone to her Father first, I'm convinced her choice and future would have been honoring to Him. I pray each of us would chose a life of victory as we learn to surrender our "sight" to the Lord and trust in faith while obeying His commands for righteous living.
May we bring a beautiful offering to our King!
Genesis 3:1-7
What looks/sounds good to eat isn’t always healthy for us. Some people struggle to avoid food that will give them additional weight problem and other people struggle to find food that can satisfy their hunger; not necessarily crave for what tastes good. We may become so focus on how much our body weight more than the importance of being/staying healthy. Are we really avoiding certain food to stay healthy or just lose weight to look/feel good? I thank God that I don’t struggle with weight issues, but as a single mother to three young children I find it challenging to put extra food on our table.
1John2:15-17
Our flesh/body is temporal and will pass away, but sometimes we forget that our flesh desires to physically feel/look so good. Women can suffer with eating disorder, because of the desire to lose more weight rather than to stay healthy. Food becomes an idol if we worship what we should eat rather than the one who gives us what we need to eat.
hernaez-funk-j@iam.uwinnipeg.ca
Eve thought she should eat the fruit of knowledge of good and evil to make her wise. God gave us what we need. But how often do we think we should have more than what God has given us?
I noticed how some people can eat more that what they really need.
Wow! Very thought provoking.
Something to ponder thanks!!
abpennings@primus.ca
I've started eating foods that the Lord has provided us and i've lost 8 pounds in a week. God is good and onlyHe knows what is good for us:)
Well my "forbidden fruit" is my boyfriend and I living together. I know it's wrong, but I have already been married twice. I love him to death, and would love one day to be married to him. Right now I cannot fathom being married, again. Pray that he sees the light and falls in love with God the way I have, and that he take ownership of our relationship, not just with me but with God also. Thank you Lord Amen
Lysa and fellow Ladies in struggle,
Thank you all for your heart and vulnerability to voice your struggles with this difficult issue.
I find myself full of shame and guilt every day I look in the mirror. Have I no self control, no self discilpine, no respect for myself? How can I let myself do this to myself? What is wrong with me? Each time I see myself in the mirror I am conflicted about the lies I tell I myself in order to stop hurting from what I do to myself. Lies to keep the pain at bay, to stay hidden, and pacify myself.
And food, there is no escape from. It is one addiction that binds like no other as you need to eat to survive. I don't have to buy alcohol, I don't have search for drugs, but I do have to go to the grocery store every week. And the task of constantly having that pressure to make the right choice is overwhelming and daunting. How do you cope with that? Does God take away the craving something chocolate, crunchy, and salty? Will he change my taste buds to never want processed foods again? Will he give me such a stomach ache that I can't bear to eat "one more bite"?
Please, someone tell me how I give this to God and what the steps are to overcome this battle. I can't do it alone and I'm scared of what it means to battle this issue.
I too have said I believe God can do anything and anything is possible through him, and I have seen him work through me in so many other areas of my life to grow me and my faith. How do I do it with food?
I looked at both these passages yesterday and again this morning. And since there is no scale, I'll bite!! Here's what stuck out to me as I prayed over them and asked God for some insight. I read them in the NLT and in the NIV.
Genesis 3-the serpent was made by God, and he was the shrewdest of all the wild animals. We see their conversation and then in verse 6 it says "The woman was convinced." She saw the fruit, she wanted the wisdom, she took it and she ate it. The word convinced in the NLT stood out to me. How easily am I convinced to do something or try something because it promises what I want? Whether it's to eat a certain food, take a certain pill or rub on a certain lotion, how easily am I swayed to try the world's answer and not God's? The passage in 1 John points out how I get there...craving the things of this world more than the things of God. For me this happens when I spend way too much time watching t.v., on the internet or even talking on the phone. When my spiritual life is the top priority (praying, quiet time, bible study) I am not as easily convinced or swayed by the things of this world.
Last week I decided to give up any desserts for this week. We've been at VBS every night, so the assortment of homemade goodies has been tempting. Praise God, He has sustained me. I know however, that if I wasn't putting this choice before Him every morning, I would surely fail...I have many times before. I can just hear the tempter's tricks trying to convince me..."it's just this one, You don't want to hurt their feelings, they made these for you, etc, etc." Our God is faithful and He will sustain me. In my Bible at the 1 John passage I had written "these are warning lights." And that's exactly what the cravings of this world are. I'm asking God to make me ever aware of the warnings...so I don't even come close to being convinced.
Your devotional and blog today really hit home for me, too. I'm a nurse with a pre-diabetic condition and I know what I should eat and that I should exercise. I know that my life will be shortened if I don't make healthy choices.
But I still do a little happy dance when I take the first bite of those fresh-baked brownies! It's such a temptation, since we have to eat to live.
Thank you for sharing your struggles and trials and encouraging your sisters who are right there with you. I'll be claiming God's promises and looking more to the Bread of Life, rather than to those tempting brownies of fat.
God bless you! Can't wait to read your book- your insights speak to my heart.
Jenn
jennifer_doering@ahni.com
Lisa, I just want to say how much I love Proverbs 31 site. It is an ecouragement to me everyday. We all seem to have issues, whether it is food, our appearance, or something else. The scripture says I can do all things thru Christ which strengthens me. I truly believe that. I feel sometimes that I think that God sees these issues in my life as trival, so therefore I am to battle them on my own. However if I truly believed in my heart that scripture, I know that God loves me and wants to help in every aspect of my life, if I am willing. Thanks so much for your encourageing words.
Oh yes. I am in food bondage. Even as I am typing, I am eating - well, I wont tell you because that would be mean.
I have been following your blog for some time now and I make myself read through the healthy eating parts. I know that I need to loose weight and exercise more. I am actually going to sign up for a class tonight. But the food part - ugh - I need to commit to some sort of healthy eating. I need to find what will work for me. I am just so addicted.
Also, ,the lady that said "Do you not think that I can do anything" from God really got me thinking.
Unfortunately, I got myself into this mess, only I can get me out - with God's help.
Oh yes. I am in food bondage. Even as I am typing, I am eating - well, I wont tell you because that would be mean.
I have been following your blog for some time now and I make myself read through the healthy eating parts. I know that I need to loose weight and exercise more. I am actually going to sign up for a class tonight. But the food part - ugh - I need to commit to some sort of healthy eating. I need to find what will work for me. I am just so addicted.
Also, ,the lady that said "Do you not think that I can do anything" from God really got me thinking.
Unfortunately, I got myself into this mess, only I can get me out - with God's help.
To Sara in IA- I hear you!!
In desperation know that it is OK to set out into the raging storm like Peter did as long as we keep our focus on the LORD! We do have to accept responsibility for what we can do and the choices we can make for ourselves. The enemy would love us to remain in our self pity and pain. He wins! We must help each other see that the LORD made us for a much higher calling. YOU matter and have much to offer. You are not worthless! Once you step out of the boat, decide you are going to do your part then Jesus will do what we cannot do. I say this to myself as well. I need to hear it and remind myself daily so that we do not waste a minute on missing out on all the LORD has planned for us. YOU CAN DO THIS SARA! I am praying for you- right now! Don't look down keep your eyes on the ONE who knows you. Psalm 139
My first thought was what it has always has been whenever I’ve read that part in the Bible- If God knew what the fruit of the tree could do to Adam and Eve then why did He place it there? Doesn’t He know our human nature is to desire what we cannot have? Why does God set us up for failure? So Lysa, because you have prompted me to really look at this deeper than ever before, the Lord has revealed to me that He doesn’t desire to be the puppet master and pull our strings to do His will. He is maker of the entire universe and I’m this little speck of dust. God doesn’t need me – It is I who need Him! God did not create me so He could control me. He wants me to choose Him daily. God could have not placed the tree there, but because of our sinful nature if it hadn’t been lusting after the fruit of that tree, we’d be lusting after something else in the garden. Eve’s desire wasn’t about the fruit. It was about listening to the deceiver say, “your eyes will be opened and you will be like God”. This is about our humanness to try to make God like us instead of us wanting to be like Him. God could have not put the tree in the garden, but He did. Life is full of temptations whatever they may be: food, sex, money, power, possessions, you name it. The Lord has the power to remove the temptation however, He chooses not to. He wants our obedience. He has promised us that He will provide a way out of the temptation if we will take our eyes off of that desire and place our eyes – the desires of our heart-in Him alone. He knows that to be perfected in Him we have to face the temptations and the glory comes in desiring His will above our own.
It's amazing how all the talk about the physical side of dieting, that when you mentioned the emotional/spiritual side of the dieting, that it really hit me. I need a diet for my spiritual journey.....amazing.
dogei5@aol.com
Thank you Lori for your words of encouragement. I try to remind myself that I need God to show me my worth in Him and know that as I see my worth, it will be easier to treat myself better. I also try to remember that food is not the enemy- Satan is. And if I can seek the Lord when Satan comes slithering in other areas of my life, I need to recognize that I need and can do this when he comes slithering into my kitchen, grocery store, or restraunt. I choose God and His love me- pray for me that this truth engulf my heart, mind, body and soul and that I welcome God daily into my heart to nuture it and change my choices so that I lead a healthier lifestyle. Thank you again for your words or encouragement and Love! sarandana@msn.com
Wow, such a timely blog post for me! Isn't it so hard to pass up the "good things" this world has to offer? Although I always know I'm not alone in my struggle not only with food, but with finding satsifaction with God alone, it's always good to hear it again and again that others are struggling right along with me and that we can support eachother in our fight.
I've read 1 John before but today I read it with new eyes. I so appreciate the reminder, the insight, and the chance to join you on your journey, Lysa!
Wow...this was just for me today. I have been on a slow fade spiritually, physically, and mentally for the last year. Two days ago I was listening to Nicole Mullen's song "When I'm On My Knees." I was convicted of my "slow fade." I got down on my knees in the study and let the tears flow and asked God to forgive me. I asked him first to forgive me of my spiritual condition and asked him to create in me a clean heart. Physically, I was convicted of my idol of food and I am resolved to battle it with healthy eating habits and exercise. Mentally, I asked him to help me to take captive every thought and to let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in his sight. Today's devotional thought has really encouraged me. I guess I thought I was the only one in the battle. Thank you girlfriend!
I love the way that the people in the Bible are so alive to you! While certain passages and certain verses jump out at me from time to time, I have a hard time seeing 'key players' as real people. Definitely 'food for thought!' Thanks!
PS - And yes, it is very, very hard to get away from the bondage of food. Still working on that one - hoping that your book will help!
I have tried them all ~ a daily shot, no carbs, all carbs, cabbage soup, no cabbage! The one time a doctor told me to eat all the ice cream and high calorie foods I wanted for three days (before starting yet another "die"t (as in dying to food cravings) I didn't want any of the things I ususally craved! Why? Because they were no longer forbidden. Our sin natures lead us, and will always be a temptation as long as we have earthy bodies.
Why did Eve eat? We all want what we don't have ~ be it more (candy) or less (thunder thighs).
"I" can't do it...alone. I know what works for me...today. Tomorrow, if I am given tomorrow, I will rise up and follow, and deal with each challenge as it comes.
For now, I'm waiting for my 8-lb. body in heaven!
Linda M.
Lysa,
Thank you for addressing such a sensitive issue so many of us struggle with. Having met you at a MOPS conference, I'm completely astonished that you struggle with this at all.
I have struggled with it most of my life. I've managed to keep it within "reason" although the fluctuation is always there. My biggest battle came after I lost my first daughter to SIDS and I put on 30 pounds and got pregnant within 6 months. God is good and has blessed me with two more beautiful girls and after the last, I did weight watchers to get "ready" for a 25 year HS reunion. That was successful, but it has always been within my own "willpower" that I loose and my lack of willpower that I gain.
I loved your take on 3 parts - mental, physical and spiritual. I am an avid tennis player, so I get a good bit of exercise. I feel I'm lacking in the spirtual aspect of this battle. I would love any secrets or tips you can share!
Thank you for your transparency, it helps to know that such a "together" woman struggles too!
Kim
I, like obviously so many other women, struggle daily with my desire to lose weight. Up until the last couple months it wasn't a major factor in my self-esteem but lately it has been something I dwell on constantly. I can't pass a mirror without telling myself how "fat" I am. It's like a lightbulb went off that I am the size I am, which is about 45 pounds above a manageable weight for me. I know I have never turned it over to God and started relying on Him to get me through it. I turn to Him for everything else..why not my struggles for weight loss. Thanks for a wake up call I needed and for sharing your journey. It is inspiring!
I, like obviously so many other women, struggle daily with my desire to lose weight. Up until the last couple months it wasn't a major factor in my self-esteem but lately it has been something I dwell on constantly. I can't pass a mirror without telling myself how "fat" I am. It's like a lightbulb went off that I am the size I am, which is about 45 pounds above a manageable weight for me. I know I have never turned it over to God and started relying on Him to get me through it. I turn to Him for everything else..why not my struggles for weight loss. Thanks for a wake up call I needed and for sharing your journey. It is inspiring!
Hi Lysa,
Just got a chance to read your Honesty devotion today. If I could share with you some thoughts about my own victory over food. There were many layers of things going on that kept me overweight and out of shape for years, and seeking solace in food. I agree rationalizing is not the way to go, all you do is wind up telling yourself rational lies. The road to victory started for me with one simple truth: I didn't see myself as God saw me, precious, a treasure to be nurtured and taken care of. I heard all through my walk with Christ how He sees us but I never really believed it, in my soul. That's when I realized God doesn't care about how you see yourself, He only wants you to care about how He sees you! I also had to ask myself now that I'm maintaining a healthy weight, when I want to pig out on something and I know I shouldn't want to eat it, what else am I feeding? It's been remaining present and yes praying a lot spontaneously that has helped me stay on track. And if I want to have a treat I just make sure I do a workout of some kind that day, even a nice walk is useful. I don't beat myself up anymore for what I eat, if I have a treat I make sure it's the most fabulous fattening thing I can have and I enjoy every minute of it! I was stuck in self-condemnation for years because of being emotionally abused when I was young by my dad. the dysfunction became the norm, and I didn't know any better. That is until God revealed to me that the very One, Jesus, who can condemn us chooses not to, so why am I? When I sat down to really think about this God kept bringing the parable of the woman caught in adultery who was about to get stoned. I realized the stones had been dropped but I picked one up and started beating myself with it because it felt normal. But once you know the truth, you can't go back to not knowing it. I started to work off the revelation that God adored me and wanted the best for me but I had to want that for myself or I wasn't going to have the future He wanted for me. God also revealed to me that true success in our walk with God is equal cooperation between deity and humanity. God provides the grace and we cooperate and settling for anything less than what God wants for you is using God's grace in vain. So I decided at some point it was time to drop the stone and be free to love God with all my heart and grab onto Jesus and all that He for me with both hands. Once I got to the source of my condemnation I was finally able to receive everything God had for me, all of the love, forgiveness, compassion and mercy God had for me was there but I hadn't experienced it because my standards for myself were actually higher than God's standards for me! Daily I ask the Holy Spirit to remind me to give myself a break, and continue to be transformed by the supernatural power of God's love. Thank you for sharing your struggles. It helps me to know what to pray for.
Be blessed,
Amy Durfy
Wow! I hesitating to even post since much of what I would say has been said in other comments. But, I am super interested in your book because I hold a box of White Cheddar CheezIts in my hands right now! :-). It is truly amazing what a stronghold food can be to us. A friend once said "if I spent as much time as I do thinking of what to eat, when, how, why, on praying and loving people I would be an incredible friend, mom, wife etc! :). We sure do let it get to us, don't we. Thankfully we have a God who can give us the strength to overcome it! Can't wait to read your book!
This is amazing,
Now I KNOW for sure that the Lord it speaking to me...for years I have been in bondage to food. Sometimes it has comforted me, masked who I am when I don't want others to see me, been used as common ground for other women in my life and this year I asked the Lord to take me deeper in him...to teach me His ways and to help me discipline myself in EVERY WAY...what I say, what I watch, what I listen to, my attitude and of course...what I eat. I realized that instead of turning to Him with my problems I turned to a pint of ice cream and TV because it was easier and it didn't require me to deal with myself. Today, I was feeling pretty low, I was thinking that I would never be "one of those" that eat healthy, maintain a healthy weight and actually enjoy it. I almost didn't read the blog today but I felt compelled to and I am so thankful that I did..I know my Father hears my heart's cry now. I know that He is concerned with all aspects of my life, not just spiritual but my mental and physical being as well. The encouragement came right on time. Thank you Lysa for being open and real and allowing God to use you to let me know that He see my struggle and He knows what is best for me.
Kynthia
This is amazing,
Now I KNOW for sure that the Lord it speaking to me...for years I have been in bondage to food. Sometimes it has comforted me, masked who I am when I don't want others to see me, been used as common ground for other women in my life and this year I asked the Lord to take me deeper in him...to teach me His ways and to help me discipline myself in EVERY WAY...what I say, what I watch, what I listen to, my attitude and of course...what I eat. I realized that instead of turning to Him with my problems I turned to a pint of ice cream and TV because it was easier and it didn't require me to deal with myself. Today, I was feeling pretty low, I was thinking that I would never be "one of those" that eat healthy, maintain a healthy weight and actually enjoy it. I almost didn't read the blog today but I felt compelled to and I am so thankful that I did..I know my Father hears my heart's cry now. I know that He is concerned with all aspects of my life, not just spiritual but my mental and physical being as well. The encouragement came right on time. Thank you Lysa for being open and real and allowing God to use you to let me know that He see my struggle and He knows what is best for me.
Kynthia
I struggle too with food and the whispers I hear are: "clean your plate", "eat another one, you don't get them very often", and "it tastes so good, don't limit yourself"... it really comes down to a lack of self-control! And when I fail, I feel miserable because I think I just can't do this! But I don't want to be controlled by food and my desire for it.
Thank you for the devotion today. It's another reminder to get my own self in gear in this area.
Paula
In regards to the passages, the thing that astounds me is Eve's lack of trust in God, His heart and His Word. I sometimes wonder what it was like before the fall because well... after it, we all struggle with trusting God's heart and Word. What's the one thing I struggle with the most...imagining God loves me as much as He says He does. Let's say I'm not prone to having a whole lotta mercy for Eve.
Wow! I love the title of the book. Sounds like it will be written just for me. I have always struggled to eat healthy because I do not live vegetables...NOT ONE! So, day after day goes by and the struggle to eat well continues. I look forward to reading about how you are gaining help in this area.
"How am I doing" In truth, not very well. I continue to ask God for help as I turn to food to relieve stress and loneliness in my life. I ask my fellow sisters in Christ who read this to please pray for God to help me as I seem to be caught in the cycle of your're depressed so you eat. Followed by becoming more depressed because you ate!
Was reading the daily devotional and I came across the reference to your blog...I am so excited to go back & read more entries! I have been on the food roller coaster most of my life. I am a sucker for processed food and ANYTHING sugar!! ;) We cannot live with out food, so it isn't like I can just decide..."tomorrow...no more food!" There in lies the problem...making good choices. I am really beginning to realize how this truly is more than a physical battle...for me especially it is spiritual because it is the biggest thing I struggle with. Arghhh...I am SO ENCOURAGED by you & your blog...you go girl!! I actually made a decision a few days ago to surrender once again! I made good choices the last 2 days and I am getting an elliptical trainer for my home tomorrow...WAHOO! I like the idea of having victory over temptation and seeing it as a spiritual victory. That is it for now, but I know there will be more comments to follow! In Him, jen
These are great thoughts! I am always yoyoing, but no matter it is still wrong to eat when I'm not hungry. It is selfish of me and I feel like Paul when he says "why do I do the things I don't want to and don't do the things I do?"!
P31 has been a great inspiration to me and I need to spend time in prayer to ask God to take control of this issue in my life.
I found that when I get more protein (I aim for only twice as many carb grams as protein grams) that I'm not as hungry, and I feel better afterward, too. I try to get the protein from plant sources because I had cysts on my ovaries when I dieted relying on animal proteins. If I do eat meat I get organic to avoid unwanted chemicals.
I liked the part of the devotion that said "we have to put to death whatever belongs to our earthly nature which sets itself up as an idol" When faced with temptation we have to kill the temptor by removing it from our field of vision, not deliberately smelling it, and not listening to it as it says "if you don't eat me now I'll go stale" or "I'm on sale - half off!!" Another way too put the desire to eat junkfood to death is to read the label. Corn syrup? Hydrogenated oil? Artificial colors and flavors? MSG? Sugar? Sodium Nitrite? No Thanks!
OK...so you and the Word are all up in my business. This issue consumes me. Especially now that I am 6 months from my 40th birthday and I promised myself I would get this under control before then. This enemy of ours really has us women all figured out. This is such a stronghold for me. I am immersing myself in the Word as this truly is a spiritual battle. As a mom to 2 teenage girls, I have to learn how to model balance to them. Thanks you, Lysa, for leading the charge!
The opposite perspective... I was speaking with my cousin this evening. Our fathers were brothers. We have the skinny leg and arm syndrome! We laughed and laughed about our inability to eat when we are under stress. We start thinking about diseases that have to do with wasting away! In all reality we just have genes that don't want us to eat when we are under stress. Ladies... just a bit of levity... that Paula Dean... healthy and happy! Just eat good food, don't look at the scales, don't compare yourself to people with a different DNA structure. If you are meant to be a six 14 and you eat healthy food... bravo size 14! Just eat healthy! That and move to a ranch... animals give you the best work out! Hauling the hay, bags of feed, mending a fence... who needs a gym! Enjoy life!
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for sharing that, I totally understand your feelings...not so much with the Cheez-its, but a couple other things.
I think I'm a compulsive over eater, for example the other week I ate 6 L of frozen yogurt in 4 days, no problems, didn't even feel sick. It's CRAZY! When I buy grapes, I buy about 6 bags at a time and they last 3 days. I have a constant craving for sugar and salt.
Just before reading your blog today I finished a 1/2 hr gorging session of salted mixed nuts with 2 different type bags of chocolate chips. Now, before I started eating that I was thinking to myself, oh, I just cycled home from work, I could use some sugar, it won't hurt me, and the temptations began! I gave in immediately and started eating this while cooking a healthy dinner. My dinner was ready and I polished it off only to return to the nuts and chocolate chips. I have no idea how many calories I consumed, but what I do know, is that when I finish a binge session like that, which seems to occur on a regular daily basis, I feel just as Adam and Eve felt when they ate the fruit.
I feel ashamed, embarassed, weak and like I failed. That happiness that the chocolate or ice cream provided me was fleeting, with the sugar high only leading me to crash down to feeling groggy and lethargic. Immediately I regret what I did.
The problem is that when I'm eating these things that are so yummy but not so good for me, it's like I become in a trans or something, then eventually, like Adam and Eve, I finish eating ALL of that yummy food and my eyes are opened and I'm like, "what did I just do?"
I have been dealing with this issue for a while and not getting anywhere. When I come home at night and am alone, temptation/boredom sets in and it's all downhill from there. My goal is to develop better self discipline when it comes to food. I am a very committed self disciplined person in other areas, even fitness, but food is my weakness.
Your post reminded me that I cannot do it alone. I need God with me and it is indeed a spiritual, physical and mental battle.
Thanks so much for sharing!
Lysa & Blog Friends,
Scientists have proven that what is best for us is fruits and vegetables, plenty of water and daily exercise. These things, as we know all too well, keep us healthy, energetic and even help prevent many awful diseases.
How cool is it that that is exactly how God intended it to be when He first created us! In Genesis we read that He gave us every seed-bearing plant and fruit for food, there was a river in the garden of Eden and He put man in the garden to work it and get exercise.
So our mantra for healthy living should be to live like we would in Eden. As for food, if God made it and man hasn't messed with it, then go for it!
God is good!
Lisa
Wow....so many of us are struggling with the same issues. How like satan to bind us up and keep us focused on our weight issues and what "yummy" thing we can eat to make us feel better. Only we don't feel better and we are dragged deeper and deeper into a place that we don't want to go...yet we don't want to stop!
Thanks for your post today...you see, I am a 51 year old woman that has gained 24 pounds since the first of the year. This on top of 40 that I already had. My doctor determined today that my thyroid meds needed to be uped...that should help in a few days but I will still have the struggle to lose the weight and get this "house" in order.
I pray that with God's help that I and all of my sister's caught up in this struggle will find the freedom we all seek!
(akamarilyn@hotmail.com)
Wow - your devotional really hit home with me. I know that I need to lose weight; I keep saying I want to lose weight; but then I compromise, justify, rationalize and listen to the voice of the enemy. "Surely you don't have to really count calories; that is so restrictive!"..."You just went back to work full time (at age 56) and are so tired...you can't try to lose weight now"...
I am a control freak. What I put in my mouth is something I haven't wanted to give God control over. I'm afraid I will feel deprived. That I can never have ice cream again.
I know in my head that God has the perfect plan for me, now I just need to put my trust in Him and step out in faith.
Thank you so much for your honesty.
leian3@aol.com
Today's Devo touched me because it not only sounded like me, the beating myself up because I eat then beat myself up because I don't exercize then want to give up. (But I'm not) It also was a confirmation to me because I have really had it on my heart to get away from processed foods and have read and heard other say it's a must. After asking God over and over is that what you want me to do .. I read your devotion. Yes Lynn eat whole - live food. See the P31 devotions used to be emailed to me everyday and the other day as I was reading one of my other devotionals I wondered why I wasn't getting it any more. Then this morning I went to the P31 site and read your devotion. God's timing is always good. I would have never guessed you battled any weight issue. But thank you for sharing. I weighed 98 lbs until I was 30yrs old and had a hysterectomy, then gradually started gaining. By 40 I was at 170 lost to 149 and then climbed up to almost 200. I have lost 17 pounds in the last 7 months but really need to get more serious. I still have a lot to go. Sorry for the ramble. Thanks for the encouragement.
Lynn
The sad thing about over eating is that it is just as evil as smoking, alcohol, porn, drugs, gambling, etc.
The seduction is that we need food to live and we ignore that we are being seduced by the addiction to food.
It is an addiction and we have to start viewing it as such or we will never escape its clutches. It is the drug of choice for this generation.
Lysa - you are such an inspiration! I prayed before I went to bed last night for encouragement to do what I know I need to do, and this morning I read your devotion and blog. Thank you for willing to be so honest with your struggles!
Tammy
fiveforhim1@verizon.net
thank you for your blog... wish I had time to read all the posts... just today I was shopping for a wedding and disgusted by what I saw in the mirror... how did I gain all this weight back? why can't I keep it off? Food is such a battle... praying that God delivers me...
I have been struggling with food since I was a little girl. First, as an escape from the disease of alcoholism that raged in my family, then as an escape from the shame of being raped as a teenager and since as a form of control to keep other people from hurting me as had happened in the past.
Suddenly, 3 years ago, God gave me the ability & clarity to look at food differently - not living to eat, but eating to live. I began to see that the sugar, carb-filled "comfort" food was really poison to my body. Once I began looking at making changes one day at a time, the weight dropped off dramatically. I lost 70 lbs in 4 months, not by using some fad or harmful diet, just by changing my habits. Healty eating and exercise, doing one thing different today than I did yesterday. I was in heaven! I could sit in chairs without my bottom spilling over and I could shop in the misses section, not the plus sizes.
Unfortunately, I neglected one important piece of the puzzle. My habits changed, but my distorted thoughts were still there - torturing me daily. When men became interested in me, I was so flattered that I neglected to be mindful of who they were & what they really wanted. God was a big focus in my life, but I just wasn't ready. I returned to the black pit of obesity. In one year I gained back all the weight & more. I have been working on my thoughts, which are what keeps me in bondage to food and God has worked such miracles in my life. I am still overweight today, but my focus is completely different. My thoughts are on God's truth about Him, me and His plan for my life. When the time is right, He will guide me & I will be successful in my health, not to be attractive to others but for my relationship and service to my Lord and Savior.
I get frustrated with myself at times, but I would not trade the experience for anything. It has allowed my God to become a loving, caring Papa; instead of the critical, punishing God I used to know. He is in control and I am right where I am supposed to be, 70extra lbs and all.
Thank you for this post Lysa - it is a reminder to me that God is not through with me yet & He will work everything out to His glory with my health, eating habits and every other area of my life. When my focus on Him, my life just goes so smoothly even through the worst of trials. I would never have experienced the joy and love and trust without my overeating problems.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. And so can we all.
Lysa,
December Rose, all those who posted and you have given me much to think about. I tend to do the quick and easy when snacking or eating and the results are not usually healthy eating. I want to do better with the Lord's help!
mheard11@verizon.net
Lysa,
I posted yesterday that I had founds friends, but really I've found spiritual sisters in Christ. Because of these posts and your daily devotion I joined Weight Watchers last night. This time it will be different. With the power of the Holy Spirit and the precious word of God I will be able to remove this idol (food) in my life and focus on Him and His plans for me and my life. I have written the verses down that were posted and am truly inspired by these wonderful ladies. I am praising God for using you to reach us! He is good all of the time!!!!
Wow! I think I've finally got it! Just like with everything else in my life, I need to choose the godly things over the worldy things when it comes to food. I need to eat God-made food:fruits, vegs., protein, etc. and not man-made: processed, artificially flavored... It seems so obvious and so easy. Now comes the harder part - doing it - thank God we have the power of prayer and His strength for obedience.
I have been struggling with food and health issues. I keep telling myself that it's not that bad and that I don't need to give up anything and that I am still young and I don't need to worry until I am a little older. All of these are lies to myself and I have decided to change my thinking and my habits this summer one small step at a time. I know this can only be accomplished with God's help. Lysa, this has been a great segment on food issues and actually spiritual issues we all face. Thank you.
Deb V
Lysa,
I have struggled with eating issues for a loonnnngg time. I know I have a food addiction. Tried and tried diet after diet but go up and down. Awhile back I think God spoke to me about giving up my morning coffee. I love having coffee with morning devotions. Nothing wrong with it, but I felt God saying give it up and just commune with Me alone. I've tried but keep going back thinking it's what good will that do. then one day I was reading in one of the gospel about Jesus telling Peter to put his net in the water. Peter said but we've been fishing all night and didn't catch anything. But he obeyed and caught a bunch. I likened that to my situation in that even though it doesn't seem like it will do any good, I should obey. It is really hard though because there's nothing wrong with coffee or food unless you put it before God and I think I have.
Why do I argue and make excuses not to continue when I give soemthing up.
Lysa, how did you just keep on keeping on??
I would like some encouragemnet or insight, please.
I am going to go read the Genesis and 1 John passages now.
Thanks
My email:
jsueroth@stewireless.com
Jackie
Today is the day I woke up and decided, no more smoking. That's it, I quit, I quit I quit I quit. God has been on my heart about it, and I "got a clue" this morning...How can I ask the Holy Spirit to live in me and then fill the Holy Spirit with unholy smoke? So, it's time, no more blowing it, and then, my darling Lysa, you wrote this devotion and I read it this morning and I know that you MUST live in my closet because sweetheart, your life and mine mirrors each other so closely. Thank you!!!!! Once again you pointed me to the words that I needed to take this next step. Thank you!
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