If you are visiting here from the Proverbs 31 Facebook page, welcome! If you’d like to join this online Bible study of Made to Crave, the sign up space is in the right column of this blog. If you are interested in our awesome conference call series and how to sign up and qualify to be entered to win a prize, read on! Thanks for stopping by.
Ladies and Gentlemen 
….. yes I know we have a few men joining us, welcome guys,
Here’s the deal. We were made to crave God. That’s why when we attempt to satisfy our cravings with anything other than God, we are not satisfied for long. We are still empty.
We were made to crave God, not…
Food. People. Attention. Validation. Perfection. Drugs. TV. Computer. Cell Phones. Friends. Stature. Alcohol. Children. A spouse. Job. Position. Shopping. Material possessions. A nicer home. A better church. Family. And the list can go on and on.
If you are keeping up with us in Made to Crave so far, then you are beginning to grasp this. If not, it’s not too late to join and catch up. This is a journey, not a Bible study full of rules and regulations. We are pretty casual around here, but serious about God.
Our conference call series begins next week. Our first guest will be Dr. Ski Chilton. Visit the Online Bible Studies Info page on this blog for more info. (you will need to scroll down just a bit when you get to this page.) Our line up of guests is absolutely amazing! You can sign up and pay for the calls here.
Big News!!! Anyone who signs up for the Conference Calls between now and January 24th will be entered to win a Made to Crave Action Plan Guide and the Action Plan DVD written by Lysa TerKeurst and Dr. Ski Chilton. (Both Lysa and Dr. Chilton are scheduled guests on our calls!) I will be giving away 4 sets! The calls are so fun and informative, I hope you will consider joining me on them. (I get a record of everyone who signs up from the Proverbs 31 Office)
If you have participated in the conference call series in the past, please share your feedback in the comment section today. Also share with us what you are craving…you can be honest here 
Also share how you plan to turn to God instead.
Ok, that’s it for today! Blessings to all of you!
****If you have signed up for the calls already, you will be receiving an email from me within the next few days. Our first scheduled call is January 24th at 8:00 pm EST. I will send you the call in information prior to the call. The call will be recorded for listening via phone, computer, or download, so you don’t have to be on live.
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I have not participated but if information is included like the first webcast, I am in! That was so helpful to me…especially the 5 daily goals in the action plan.. They have given me a framework but allow some flexibility. God is so good. I am learning I am made to crave God , not loneliness and self sufficiency.
I have been craving chocolate really bad!!! But, today I haven’t not given in to that craving. I ate an apple and some celery and humus instead. I have been praying each time I get that craving and it is helping so much!
Craving warmth and comfort….tea, cookies, coffee, scone, etc…. Taking that desire and getting comfort from the Lord! Going to read a MTC rsvp and rest in the Lord!
Hi Melissa!
I am craving pizza, comfort food, love, attention, affection and validation. Idk how I’m gonna turn to God today. I read a Bible verse to help uplift me, but I’m still feeling low today.
Thank you for all you do!
~Mippy
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you & help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
Mippy- I’m sort of in the same boat. Craving comfort food and love and affection. It’s alonely place. But I’m choosing to pray it out. God is my comforter and my strength. Praying for you Mippy!
Hi Mippy,
I’m praying right now in Jesus name that He will overwhelm you with His presence of peace, joy and hope!! Amen
I’m not craving anything right now as I’m full from breakfast but I know I’ll be craving sweets later. I like Leslie’s comment, craving warmth, yes, I’m also craving warmth and sunshine and sandy beaches… 4 below this morning.. brrr
Made the mistake of putting the scent “birthday cake” in my scentsy warmer (cuz it’s my granddaughter’s 2nd b-day) so I have been craving birthday cake. Thank you Jesus though I am in control & it has not been troublesome!
I am really wanting something sweet but it is a slippery slope as they say. Going to pray to get rid of the craving!
I’ve been a part of the conference calls for the last 2 study’s & I can tell you that they are way worth it. You gain so much more info from the guest on the call. I even take notes on each call! It is well worth the money for 4 amazing calls that you can then listen to later & even download to your computer for future reference. The calls are great encouragement even after the study is over.
What I’m craving today is CHOCOLATE. I really want a piece of chocolate but I’m not allowing myself to have it. I’m taking this craving to God.
I didn’t want to do my exercise today either but I made myself do it anyway. Now I’m feeling more awake & you know what, the exercise is helping me to keep the depression at bay.
Good for you. I need to kick start my exercises soon. I am so busy studying, Need to start rearranging my morning and do them before I start studying.
Comfort foods of all sorts!!!!
Thank you for the convicting reminder… I know I tend to try to fill my life when really I should empty it out, start over, and only fill it with things that would glorify Him. I crave attention… I am a musician and an artist, and I struggle because I want to Glorify Him in that, but don’t know how to do so without part of me trying to take credit when, after all, my gifts are only just that… gifts from Him. I don’t want to crave the attention, I want to crave attention for Him. That will be my prayer. <3 Thanks again.
Angela…I think its so insightful of you. I wonder about that too. When I want people to notice the way I’ve used God’s gifts…I’m not really surrendering the glory to God. It’s a hard balance, because I’m not sure God wants us to fake humilty if we realize where the gifts are coming from, but I too struggle with that!!! I also like your idea of “emptying out our life instead of filling it up.” Thanks for sharing!
I am Craving a great big bowl of moose tracks ice cream with hot fudge and whipped cream…but, I am not going to indulge that craving!!! I am going to use this phrase from Chapter 2 of the book to empower me to ignore that call in my life and listen to God’s call on my life, ”Brick by brick, I imagined myself dismantling the food tower and using those same bricks to build a walkway of prayer, paving the way to victory.” Because I am God and prayer centered and, I am a woman of Victory!!
I have realized that I was crave the holy spirit ..he humbled me and let me be hungry ,however I was hungry spiritually..Deuteronomy 8:13
I was made to Crave God not food!!!! I’ve been over weight most of my life and this bible study with you lady has sooooo far been wonderful. I been exeresicing often about 3 to 5 times a week, but not only that I been watching my portion sizes as well, and I feel great!!! Thanks for allowing us to be part of this and may God bless you!!
I have been craving not only sweets, which is what I decided to give up during the 6 weeks. I also crave man’s approval….I worry more what ppl think than God….
pressing on…..!! God is good
K~
Karen, pray and stay strong, believe in our Lord and yourself. But, if you need something else to think about, how will “other people” think when they see you getting healthy, growing confidence, glowing with the Holy Spirit, keep that positive image of yourself in your thoughts, and don’t worry about ‘other” people. God loves you and all of us are praying our way through this journey together, we are made for more!
I’m craving validation from my scale and it SO isn’t there. Depressed and ready to skip my workout, I heard a small voice saying “Don’t give up”. SO, off I go to do my 30 minutes on the elliptical over my lunch. Thanks God for giving me the encouragement I wasn’t getting from my scale.
It is snowing here today, so warm comfort food is definately what I want. I enjoy healthy foods, but sometimes (most times), the cravings win. Hoping to change that over the coming weeks!
My craving is to be noticed by my extended family. Boy, that breaks my heart to actually have to admit this to myself. I have come to realize that I don’t really crave food, but, because of the other things I crave, I turn to food for comfort. And, it is not healthy food.
I am speaking out loud to God how I am feeling and that I can no longer do this without Him. In other words, I am working on giving Him free reign over my life.
Wow Lori! I’m so proud of you for being so brave! What insight God has given you into what you are REALLY craving! And then what you are using for COMFORT! I appreciate you delineating the difference. I plan on pondering over this during my quiet time today!
Lori,
What amazing insight God has given you. I think there are probably a lot of us who are using food to comfort because of other cravings we have. May God bless you as you seek to give Him reign over your life.
Marcia
Oh, wow, that is it! I have craved my husband’s attention and validation for more than 32 yrs. When I don’t get it, I turn to food. I think I feel so emotionally needy because of childhood sexual abuse. I so thought I had moved past that – only to realize it is an undercurrent in our marriage.
So, over the last couple of years I have been trying to be more independent emotionally. That has not worked, either, but it is because I need is to be dependent emotionally on Jesus. I don’t really know what that looks like.
I want to know what that looks like, too. In a concrete form that I can point to or read or hold.
For once, I feel I can answer this question with a decent answer…but only because I’ve done “undecent” things the last 24 hours. I’m craving sitting in the presence of God. With my Bible and my Made to Crave book. I’m craving the healthy things I had been eating up until last night. Now, I’m sore. (My muscles hurt a lot when I eat white flour/sugar) I’m lethargic. But, I think maybe God is getting a hold of my heart deeper this time because instead of craving more of that junky stuff I ate, I’m seriously craving getting back to my eating plan. Craving His presence to pull me back to where I need to be! It’s kind of cool.
Thank you, this is encouraging and reminder to press on.
I want to know him more and discover His purposes for my life. I will remain in the Word for it sets me free and prepares me for every good work He has for me. I need to pray whenever I get discouraged, it’s a constant battle for my soul and for whom I serve.
I am craving people’s appreciation and love. I know all I need is my Father and the Lover of my heart
Validation and peace that how I am trying to help my Dad is right. I am feeling very alone and would normally turn to sweets – any and every sweet that I can stuff in my mouth – as I have given up alcohol for over 10 months, but I am sitting here eating an apple and praying instead.
So proud of you Christi!
Christi-
Thanks for sharing! 10 months?! That’s great. I struggle with alcohol and truly crave it. I realize checking out with wine is getting me no where. Any suggestions? Im using the MTC study to surrender all of my cravings not just the ones I want to give up. I have an empty whole that once was filled by His love. I’m working on allowing Him to fill it to overflowing.
I am craving sweets!! ice cream, candy, cupcakes, sweets I love sweets!! I have realized that I turn to sweets to make me feel good about myself and not God so I am trying to change that!
Thanks
CHOCOLATE. Every day. I am excited though to pray every time I get a craving instead. I just read the first two chapters so haven’t tried it yet! Praying that this will be my key to freedom from the bondage to food!
I am out of control, I am craving most everything . So tired of me, the moods and the cravings….Lisa
Dear Papa God, I lift Lisa up to you now. Give her your strength and hope. I ask you to hold us all safe under your wing as we explore the underlying issues that cause us to seek comfort in what is destructive. Help us to find our balance and thank you, thank you for your grace. Amen
I am craving more food, even though I just ate a healthy Subway lunch and ate plenty. I am craving money because I am tired of being in debt. I am craving comfort because I feel stressed, lonely, overwhelmed and about to explode. I am craving peace and contentment, because I don’t feel either. I’m going to get through this day, and then start again. I don’t even feel like I can focus on God today.
Jennifer…I don’t know if this would help or not…but I too feel like God is so much to “focus” on sometimes. Maybe just asking God to help you appreciate His presence even when you can not focus would help? I will be praying for you. Your post reminded me of me most days! Love and prayers!
Thanks, Sarah, that’s a good idea. I will do that right now.
Just feeling sorry for myself right now, and stressed and overwhelmed and just tired. Thanks again.
Dear LORD, I am praying for Jennifer right now. That YOU will give her what she needs to get through today and that YOU will also give her a craving today where she can be focused on YOU. Thank you LORD for all YOU are to us and want to be through us.
In the NAME of JESUS I pray
Marcia
I’m with you on all of that today Jennifer. Life took over today and the funniest (no haha funny) is that it didn’t hit hard until after work, at night when it is hardest for me to stay away from any food. I’m struggling to pray, to stay focused, and just eat dinner and let it go, but I am feeling all those feelings right now, stress, loneliness, seriously in debt and overwhelmed. My husband works til 10 tonite and I know that it is satan trying to continue to drag my thoughts away from God and onto my own problems. It’s not about me, its all about Him, Lord help me to focus on you and not me.
I was hit hard when reading the reflection questions in chapter 2 about what emotions drive me to food. The answers that immediately surfaced made me very sad, yet gave me a desire to repent! I knew I that I ate emotionally, but when I wrote that food was my safe haven that I go to for peace, joy and comfort and to reward myself I was astonished! These are all the things that God is supposed to be to me!!!! The things He has been to me, but obviously not in all circumstances!!! Thank you Lord for this huge wake up call and for this book and all of the wonderful people in this Bible study who have been so open and honest!!
Be blessed ladies! I feel a victory today and I can see a beautiful brick path leading us there as the lies of the enemy are being replaced with God’s truth!!!!!
Sherri
Praise God that the only thing I am really craving is time to start exercising. Amazing how just a few short weeks ago I feel like this was a battle that I would never win. That I would try again tomorrow (and fail again and again).
By the grace of God and the Holy Spirit being with me I have given up chocolate and coffee with lots of sugar and cream (the good stuff with all the fat). That is something I never thought I could do. And maybe I was right…alone the countless times I have tried I was not able. But I am no longer alone!! I do feel so empowered now that God is here with me on this journey.
I so much want a McDonlads “Mocha Latte” but haven’t had one in probably over two weeks now, use to have one about every day.
As a direct result of Code Orange Revival this week I am currently craving God and I am praying this continues to be so.
I am hearing so many things about this revival!
I am craving Japanese food! Hibachi chicken and shrimp with white sauce is calling me! One of my co-workers talked about it yesterday and I haven’t been right since!
I am loving the book so far. I just re-read chapter two after a healthy lunch and workout (woo to the hoo!). I have definitely make food supreme in my life and I don’t want that anymore. I think about, plan, prepare, research FOOD. I was going over the discussion questions and would love to hear everyone’s thoughts/idea.
I went down the check list – this week alone I’ve used food for comfort and reward – starbucks coffee! Even tho it was no cal, i know that how i responded and turned to it wasn’t healthy. I could feel my whole body sigh with satisfaction and buzz with anticipation… it brought a total smile to my face and i thought, this is so wonderful, THIS should be my reward for each pound I lose. I’ve used food to deal with stress and sadness (overwhelming day with the little ones had be literally HIDING in the pantry scarfing down chocolate covered pretzels and freeze dried marshmallows the second I got them to sleep). And i’ve used food for happiness too – 2 bdays in the family coming up and I am already anticipating the joy of making (and eat!) the cakes. ACK!
When the discussion questions asked how would it be different to turn to God in those moments I was at a bit of a loss. (obviously, i am going for total honesty here). I turn to God to say thanks (albeit briefly) and when my back is against the wall or something is weighing on my heart – but how do i make HIM part of the reward, happiness too?! Any ideas?
Love the idea of battling this addiction with scripture. The Psalms were excellent – I will be calling on GOD and waiting in expectation! God wants my heart – all of it, and know that means i have to push food out. really excited about that prospect!
Jessica – I SOO relate to what you are saying! I’ll be praying that God reveals ways for us to turn to Him in these moments!
I have been craving sweets ugh…hate that feeling…but I guess I should love it because it is making me go to God!
I seldom have food cravings……..my homemade chocolate cake with chocolate buttercream frosting is one that comes around occassionally but I satisfied it over the holidays so I’m good for a while. I truly am craving being closer to our Lord, sitting at His feet…….craving the peace that only He can bring……and what is so wonderful is that I can feel the NEED turning into a habit……..I feel His presence more, I feel Him working in my daily life. I do crave having unlimited time to spend with Him but I am carving out more of my day for Him. I’m counting the time I spend online reading the posts of my small group friends as time with Him as we are all bonded together in the same battle and through them I read scripture that is posted that I may not have read before. I feel an accountability with the group that has made me get my behind downstairs and do my workout…..I always feel so good when I do…….which gives me more energy to accomplish the tasks that have been causing me to feel anxious….that take away from my peace……..and I attribute it all to spending more time with and becoming closer to our Lord.
Thanks for all you do.
I believe having this group helps me with accountability. I know I am receiving encouragement from Melissa and this group.
I have realized that craving may not be the term I have used but in deed may be what is going on when I take that piece of cheese or nibble when preparing my son’s lunch each morning. Victory again today! No nibbling. That may seem like a small step, but I know that the small changes will lead to a big change. Went to the store and did not stop to get that much desired “soft drink for a good price”. Drinking mostly water and fat free milk . Have had some coffee, but I don’t crave it – had it this morning because it is cold today.
Started the day by reading Gen. 22 – 24 (reading through the Bible chronologically this year).
Thank you LORD for the small daily victories!
I crave food for every emotion.
I crave alcohol around dinner time & bedtime.
My kids are 4 & 6. It can be hectic at home!
Then if I have a drink, I get the munchies…
I crave attention from a person I shouldn’t.
Ice cold COKE over sonic ice at Happy Hour Prices !!! I miss my Happy Hour!!! Thanks for all you do …. you inspire me like a crazy with your realness! LULNMW
Not craving much food, what I’m craving is more time. Or maybe a better focus on how to spend my time. I have always wanted to do it all and this month alone I have gotten involved in 3 bible studies, promised to develop 2 classes and conduct a bible study, gotten involved in a lot of ‘betterment’ projects/blogs online, have a lot of projects to do at home, etc…Tonight I will be attending a Ladies Night Out with my women’s ministry (after all, I am the group leader and arranged the outing), and I just want to stay home. With all these activities and projects (some necessary), my soul is rebelling and I want to sit and do nothing…craving uneventful and peaceful time.
It may be silly, but I’m craving Dr. Pepper! Caffeine is my drug of choice, and I used to drink way too many Dr. Peppers. I cut down to one every other day or so, but I want one right now!
Today I am craving a cupcake…. I friend posted a bunch of pics on yummy looking cupcakes…. and after work I am going shopping…. and I realllly want to buy one and I hope i forget about it lol…. I caught up to the reading and some of it could have been something I have written in my own journal ….. This is all making so much sense so far!
Chocolate!!!! I seriously want some ooey, gooey chocolate right now. I am on day 4 of my no-sugar, no-carb diet. Today is really difficult. I’m not physically hungry. I am just wanting something sweet really bad. I have been praying constantly and reading every scripture posted around my desk to help me today. One day this will be easier, right?
I love how honest you are being! Thank you for that. Let’s lift each other up and be intentional on turning to God!! don’t let those cupcakes, sugar, time stealers, alcohol, soft drinks, food, and whatever to keep you from your intent to turn to Him. Remember these things aren’t bad, but it you are using them to fill a void, not good. Keep going back to our memory verse…Everything is permissible but not beneficial.
Also, I want to hear from some of my ladies who have participated in the conference call series in the past. Share how this option impacted you and if it was helpful and beneficial in the study.
Love y’all! <3
I have been craving potato chips, Diet Coke (haven’t had one in a week), and chocolate…..ugh!! I prayed, ate 1g fat pretzel sticks and cottage cheese with peaches, and drank a green tea for lunch. So far so good with no chocolate today too. I would love to have the MTC Action Plan! I’m praying for the “want to” and need more info on the “how to”. Taking baby steps…and joining a great MTC bible study will help me put my cravings where they need to be….on God!!
Oh, and I forgot to say that I signed up for the conference calls and am looking forward to them!! I tuned into the webcast, and want more!!
This is a prayer request
My daughter-in-law just sent me word that she has elevated liver enzymes and yellowness in her eyes. The elevated enzymes were found because she is having problems with gall-bladder attacks but is unable to have surgery until 2/4 – 4/14 because she is expecting our 6th grandchild in August(surgery can only be done during second trimester). She had a severe attack on Sunday. Some of her symptoms could have indicated a kidney infection, but when she saw her ob/gyn the urinalysis was normal. Thus they did blood work, finding the elevated enzymes. She is to have more testing done on the blood sample they have. She has an appt with GI doctor on 2/9 and trying to schedule surgery for 2/22. Please pray with me that GOD will place HIS merciful hand on her, giving her ease from the pain, calmness over what all is going on, and that HE will keep the baby safe from harm through all of this.
Thank you sister’s in Christ.
Praying God’s peace on this situation. Protect the sweet baby within her and comfort the mother, shower her with peace, patience and a relief of pain and symptoms during the wait.
Just got another text from my Lisa – they moved her GI appt to tomorrow. Praise GOD!
I am craving peace of mind and calmness…trusting God will direct me in my food and exercise choices while out of town for three days right after beginning this study and new ‘un-focus’ on food. I know there will be CARBS galore all around me…hotel breakfasts, fast-food drive thru’s, concession snacks…so I packed up oodles of veggies and fruit,almonds and other healthier choices…even made some fiber one ‘fudgey cookies…a gamble, but wanted to see/test my stopping point. My phone has a screensaver that says “I am made for more’…it’s with me everywhere (hmm…Just like God) but I look at it regularly…so I will be reminded of that fact often. Perhaps I should add a scripture to help keep my thoughts right as well.
Another thing I have decided I needed to do was not tell people I am ‘dieting or watching what I am eating’ as then it becomes a focus on me…desiring man’s approval…you look fine, oh, this won’t hurt, it’s just for this weekend…etc. Nope! I have shared with my children that I am pursuing healthy food choices. Sad but they used to bring me candy bars as treats to show love…how do you refuse that? So I have asked them to pick me a pretty apple or a nice salad as an alternative. I’ve also shared with my husband and one dear friend (who’s my kind-of accountability partner)…other than that I have vowed to not bring attention to myself and what I CAN’T have…It takes more work than I thought, but it gives me joy to let it be between God and me! If someone specifically asks, then I point them to Made to Crave…and encourage them to join me on the journey…But I am not allowing myself a “Pharisee attitude of ‘woe is me, I can’t eat a cheeseburger”…I am beyond that. The word of the week is EMPOWERED and I feel empowerment…not that I don’t mess up here and there, but I am moving in the right direction…and my goal is to be VICTORIOUS! Victorious in Godliness, closeness, food battles, and weight struggles…confidence and peace.
That all sounds so scrambled right now…but that’s what’s going on in my head as I sit in this hotel (with cartoons in the background)…toddler just offered me a reese’s pieces cookie as I typed this (I declined…not even a bite or sniff)! Lord, I know you will give me strength! Thanks You!!!
I have read some of the above comments, and can really relate to the last one. I am craving calmness and peace of mind. I don’t crave much in the food area, except pastas & breads…which I have not cut back on yet. I am struggling to find balance in work, home life, ministry. I have been really struggling over the last six months with all areas. Really hoping that as I work through this study I will learn to crave God more. I know that it will only by drawing closer to Him that all these feelings of anxiety, failure and overwhelmness will disappear. I am keeping up with the readings and it is very helpful to walk this journey with so many others. Thanks everyone for your postings….they help more than you realize.
God Bless.
I am craving for my normal routine. Not to have to watch what I eat. I am scared that I will never be able to change my bad habits to good healthy habits. That is my mistake trying to be in control. Lord help me to crave you and let you control me. Leading me to step out of my comfort zone and into a more Godly zone.
Right now, I am craving time to myself, to feel calm, not anxious. To find God’s peace during my hectic days,( although blessed to be a mom of 4 sons-18,16, 13 &
of getting my boys to and fro where they need to be. Trying to be a godly example and failing at times. I am craving the willpower to not pick up whatever I have left at the feet of Jesus.
I’m craving a deeper, more intimate relationship with my loving Abba Father. More of Him. I just can’t get enough.
Here along the Gulf Coast, we go from Christmas to Mardi Gras without skipping a beat, and Mardi Gras means rich, delicious pastries and cakes. Today, a co-worker brought in a praline king cake, and I was able to resist the temptation to have a piece, thanks to this Bible study. Thanks, Melissa, for leading us in this wonderful journey!
Can someone tell me why the recurring craving is sweets? I know it is for me, we always had dessert growing up, nothing fancy, cookies, jello, pie or cake. I was a smoker for many years long ago and meals ended with a smoke. It just seems meals always ended with something. While typing this it occurrs to me that ‘something’ needs replaced with prayer. We pray before we eat, I think we’ll start praying when we are finished as well, something along the lines of being thankful for our meal and asking for strength to end the meal then and there and not to dwell on and crave ‘something’ else. Praying for you all, keep your eyes on the prize of a healthier mind and body and healthier relationship with God. That’s a win-win for sure.
God bless you all for your honesty and that I feel so not alone through this. Thanks for helping me to turn to God, to pray, and pray and pray. Was a very rough day and a worse night but God is here and your words have offered me comfort and strength for my night.