Hey girls, it’s Stephanie. Today you are getting a firsthand look into my disobedience. Let me be the first to admit I have dropped out of the “Made to Crave” study several times. In fact, I received a copy of “Made to Crave” before it even went to print as part of Lysa’s “In the Loop Group”. I hadn’t been able to lose weight any other way and I thought her book might give me the quick fix I needed. When I realized the study was actually going to be work and require, gulp, change?!?, I put the book down. I didn’t even make it past the second chapter.
When Melissa Taylor offered the online study during January of 2011, I thought about trying it again. I joined the study, but arrogantly scoffed every time the email with the week’s assignments hit my inbox. I would justify my avoidance with statements like, “how shallow is it that a Bible study would focus on weight” and “I have better things I could be studying.” All the while, my weight continued to increase…my self-confidence steadily on the decrease.
I became involved with Melissa Taylor’s studies in a leadership aspect during the study of Wendy Blight’s book “Hidden Joy”. However, I knew come January, the MTC study would rear its head again.
This time would it be different? Would my newly appointed leadership position change things?Would I be able to do it? This time would it be different?
I must admit up to this point, it has not been different. I have slipped in and out of old habits. I do well for about three days, followed by a three day binge and boycott of anything resembling exercise. I cannot lie. I am tempted to give up. I am tempted to let this study come and go without making any real life changes. That is what I am tempted to do.
However, as I read Chapters 7,8, and 9…I know that I cannot quit. There is a runner inside of me that needs to get out from under the cherry donuts weighing her down! More important than that…there are some lies straight from the pit of Hell that need to be demolished!!!
I do have time to work out! I want to be more obedient to God! I do not want to seek food for comfort! I want more Jesus! First and foremost, I want to serve the God who has redeemed my life from the pit of depression, anxiety, and bitterness! I know that I can trust Him to deliver me from this too!
I choose to clothe myself in strength and dignity. I choose to run the race He has set out for me. I choose to beat my body into obedience. I choose Jesus over food! I choose Him! I choose you Jesus!!!
Dearest sister, I know it is tempting to give up and give in. But somewhere deep inside of you is that desire to keep going. Reach deep down and yank that desire up to the top! In fact, let’s pray for that right now…
Dear Lord,
There is power in your name. Right now I pray in the name of Jesus that you would demolish any stronghold that holds us captive. Any addiction that we serve, anything we put in place of you Lord, shatter it…flatten it with a 2X4 in the name of Jesus. Let us lean into You and only You. Be the center. Be our everything. Strengthen us where we feel weary. Lift us up where we feel weak. Enable us with the Holy Spirit and divine power to choose You God over anything else we might desire. We will not stop God. We will not quit, because we want more of You Jesus. Crave God, we were made to crave you Jesus. Thank you Lord…for all you have done and are going to do…thank you.
In Jesus Name we pray, Amen.
We will not give up. Let’s say it out loud…WE WILL NOT GIVE UP! WE GOT DA POWAH! DA JESUS POWAH!!! All 9100+ of us!!! Let’s take the opportunity today to leave a comment below, an encouraging comment for a sister who might be struggling…or even for yourself who might be struggling. Let’s remember who we are in Jesus…because ladies…we were made for more!!!
Bessings, Stephanie
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