Hold the phone. Did I not just say in "Tip #14" to FLY SOLO? I'm sure you're wondering why on earth I would now tell you to NOT fly solo!! Allow me to explain. In my previous tip, I encouraged you NOT to help others until YOU yourself have become stronger in your journey. There is one person who can help you that will not zap you of the precious energy you NEED to stay on the path of lighter living. That person is Jesus Christ!
Personal true story. Eleven years ago, I was at an all time low with regards to constantly being defeated in this "battle of the bulge." I was literally out of control with my eating. I had tried everything. I was truly at my wits end. Like many people who have hit rock bottom in whatever area they struggle with in life, I cried out to God for help! I knew that overcoming this stronghold was going to take a power much bigger than myself. In March 1999, during a Walk to Emmaus weekend retreat, I experienced the love of Christ like never before!! I asked Him to come live in my heart and I asked Him to be Lord over my life! I surrendered my life, once and for all. I simply cannot explain the tranformation that immediately began to take place in my life.
At this point, you might be asking yourself, "Well, if Jesus began a transformation in you eleven years ago, why are you just now losing the weight." GOOD QUESTION! And honestly, I've asked myself this question for 10 years, "God, if my weight struggles is what brought me closer to You, why have I yet to overcome them?" To be truthful, throughout the past years- I heard only silence to that question. However, in looking back at this past year.... and in looking back over the ten years prior... I see that I had a lot to learn about Him and about myself.
God tells me in the bible that He WANTS to help carry my burdens. He tells me sin has no power over me. He says that His ways are higher than my ways. He reassures me that He will never leave me or forsake me. He tells me that He has great plans for me... plans to prosper me and not to harm me. He says that He works all things out for the good of those who love Him. But here's the deal. I HAVE TO BELIEVE WHAT HE IS TELLING ME!!!!! Until I believe it and claim it as truth in my heart and soul, God's power is powerless to me.
In December 2008, I decided to believe His words and apply them to my lifelong stronghold with my weight. And guess what happened..... my belief led me to take action.... and His power kicked in gear like I never knew was possible!! In 2009, I've had an INCREDIBLY stressful year with work challenges that have far exceeded anything I've faced before - as well as health challenges that rocked my world. God's strength came through for me in my time of weakness. That's how God works. When we surrender everything to Him and acknowledge that we can do all things through CHRIST who strengthens us.... THEN.... THEN we can overcome anything!!! ANYTHING!!!!
So beloved friends, don't fly solo - at least not completely solo. Jesus Christ loves you and He wants to help you every step of the way!!! I could not fight this battle by myself. I've tried for more years than I care to admit. I believe I'll always have a battle to fight because of my own personal struggles with food. Fighting the battle with God by my side is the only way I will have lifelong victory.
Don't fly solo!
No comments:
Post a Comment