I think we all get to a place sometimes in our life where we have to honestly assess, “how I am doing?”
It’s not really a conversation I have with a friend or family member. It’s one of those middle of night contemplations where there’s no one to fool. There’s no glossing over the realities staring me in the face.
I know certain things about myself need to change but it’s easier to make excuses than tackle them head on. Rationalizations are so appealing:
I’m good in every other area.
I make so many sacrifices already.
I need this comfort in this season of life- I’ll deal with it later.
I just can’t give this up.
The Bible doesn’t specifically say this is wrong.
It’s not really a problem, if I really wanted to make a change, I could— I just don’t want to right now.
Oh for heaven’s sake, everyone has issues, so what if this is mine.
And on and on and on.
But excuses always get me no where fast. That’s why a few years ago I had to get honest in the area of healthy eating. Even if that’s not your issue, I suspect these same scripts of rationalization have played out in your mind over other things.
So, the cycle continues day after day, week after week, year after year.
A whole lifetime could be spent making excuses, giving in, feeling guilty, resolving to do better, mentally beating myself up for not sticking to my resolve, feeling like a failure, and then resigning that things can’t change.
And I finally decided I didn’t want to spend a life time in this cycle.
Nothing changed until I made the choice to change. I had to want it, spiritually, physically and mentally. The battle really is in all three areas.
Spiritually: In Colossians 3: 1-5 we are told to set our minds and our hearts on things above. In order to do this, we have to put to death whatever belongs to our earthly nature which sets itself up as an idol in my life.
Idolatry is trying to get my needs met outside the will of God.
Bingo. I couldn’t deny it. This described food for me at times.
For the sake of my spiritual health, it was time to get honest.
More times than I cared to admit, I turned to food when I should have turned to God. I relied on the temporary high of food to try and quiet the cries of my spiritually hungry soul. And no matter how I tried to excuse away my struggles with my weight, I wasn’t at peace.
Physically: I couldn’t keep my weight stable in a medically healthy range for any period of time. I would loose weight but would always gain it back. Now, I was at a place where a doctor had labeled me obese.
For the sake of my physical health, it was time to get honest.
According to an extensive study done by Northwestern University, calorie restriction is the key ingredient for managing weight issues. Of course, they state that exercise is also important but good nutrition is crucial.
Bingo. I can’t deny it. It does matter what I eat. My weight is a reflection of what I consume.
Mentally: Don’t settle. Don’t compromise. What happens when you cut the “com” off of the word compromise? You’re left with a “promise.”
We were made for more than compromise. We were made for God’s promises in all areas of our life.
Honestly. I am made for more than a vicious cycle of eating, gaining, stressing– eating, gaining, stressing…
For the sake of my emotional health, it was time to get honest.
I was made to consume food. But, food was never supposed to consume me.
Sweet sister, getting honest with myself in my struggles with my weight was a crucial first step to finding victory. Is there an honest admission you need to make today? I’d love to walk with you through the process of change. It’s why I wrote my new book, “Made to Crave- satisfying life’s deepest desires with God not food.”
Remember, as a Jesus girl, it is possible to rise up, do battle with our issues, and using the Lord’s strength in us, defeat them- spiritually, physically, and mentally- to the glory of God.
Leave a Comment
Modupe says
Thanks so much for that Lysa – my 3rd challenge of the month on this issue! A friend of mine dealt with this issue just as you described and shared her story in our recent Women’s conference. Then I heard you on Focus on the Family broadcast here in the UK the other day. I need to confront this long standing issue! God give the the grace to change!
CJ says
That’s what I needed to read – this day! I’ve been on a VERY healthy eating program for 10 days. I have lost ONE pound. I’m still in the obese range. I was about to throw in the towel again. Too hard, no one else has to eat like this, blah blah blah. It IS an issue between me and God. I give in to MY flesh too often. I need to give it up to HIM, for HIM. Thank you.
Lisa H says
Lysa,
Thank you, this is also an area I’ve just accepted or made excuses for not dealing with it. I’ve blamed the depression for not getting out to exercise, or for eating just because, or ignoring the numbers on the scale. And you are absolutely right its a choice to make to say, Ok I’m done with this its no longer mine but I’m giving it to God.
Its time to sit down with God and ask for his strength to help me get back on track.
lisa
Christan Perona says
Thank you for your honesty.
Adoption Mama says
This is a topic I am struggling with right now. In light of my mom’s death and the temporary separation with my oldest child…my emotions have taken over and I show no self control in regard to food. I’m on the yo yo. But you have given me much to think about. The mind…I must keep it stayed on Christ and Him alone.
amy says
RIGHT there with you…
Rachel says
Yes. I’m totally with you. I had a moment like this just recently and blogged about it because it hit me hard and was so profound for me: http://portraitrachel365.blogspot.com/2011/04/cupcake-dreamin.html.
Susanne says
I’m always fighting with my weight too. I, too, am classed as obese and I hate it. I keep asking God for help but I just keep ignoring Him and eating what I THINK I can eat. But I’m only hurting myself and making myself more unhealthy. I need to “let go and let God”.
Carey says
Thank you! Incredible reminder that seems to be a daily battle. I don’t want to make the good choice but NEED to make the good choice. I feel like PLANNING and planning ahead when it comes to meals is the key. I just have to make that a priority in my week.
With Joy, Carey
Jan says
God can do so much in this area. I am sure that your book is excellent just from reading your post.
I don’t have a serious problem with my weight but I did start to gain slowly – letting it creep up telling myself that for my body that weight gain was fine. But it isn’t and I came to that conclusion when I was restricted to a “no dairy and no wheat” diet because of allergies. All of a sudden the scale went the other way – the 5 pounds fell off. Now when I am allowed to return to those foods I will endeavour to eat them with less vigour and a prayer for God to help me. Thanks for the reminder and that for showing me that what I noticed is true that calories do make a difference. Blessings,
Jan
Anna Kressor says
I {so} needed to hear this today! “Loose” that weight, Jesus girl!
Beth West says
Things that helped me very much in the quest for weight loss:
I had tried SO MANY diets and exercise programs and the weight continued to creep on, so I would always give up in discouragement. I finally made the decision that if I had to be fat, I was going to at least exercise seriously and be as fit a heavy person as I could possibly be (which BTW is proven through studies to bring about serious health improvement even if you don’t experience weight loss). This resolve to get fit regardless of the scales cold, unmoving numbers kept me going even though it was almost three months before the scale began to move! And then move it did, slowly downward. It’s taken me a year to lose 34 pounds.
As I began to feel like I had more control over myself because I was sticking with an exercise program, I introduced what I believe is the other important component for weight loss which is portion control! I read in a book to serve my food on a medium plate instead of a large plate and this has made such a difference. I have between 1200 and 1500 calories per day (usually).
If you like, give resolving to be fit and strong regardless a try. It was amazing to me how much this helped me to be able to control my caloric intake too.
I should also mention that I’m 44. A hugely motivating factor was realizing weight loss was not likely to get easier as I got older! And Jan, I was finally able to develop the discipline to avoid wheat and dairy too, and I had never been able to before as pizza and lasagna were my favorite foods. Good for you for staying away from them.
Lynn says
My issue is not weight. But still, I’ve played those exact excuses over and over in my head a thousand times.
Thanks for this post.
Angela S. says
Thank you for sharing this. A dear friend is getting ready to go through your book with some other ladies at our church. I’m considering joining them because it sounds so good!
Annie says
Hi, My husband and i have been doing P90X for a while now. He has lost 16 pounds! I have a couple of posts on my blog about that. I’d love for you to visit my blog ! http://sailingwithbarefeet.blogspot.com/2011/03/p90x.html
Mandy says
Thanks for your honesty, I needed to hear this today… I have the same struggle and am beginning to see the issue creep into other areas of my life. Now to be honest with myself…
Rachel says
Love this post! While I don’t struggle with my weight all that much I do struggle with finding contentment in God alone. I should read your book!
Penny says
The problem is, I can’t always feel God. When I’m upset or scared or sad, or whatever it is, I just want to feel better, to feel something other than what I’m feeling. I know God’s there, I know He loves me, I know He’s holding me, but I can’t always feel that. What do you do to combat the feelings involved?
Katie says
Wow! this post was great! Thanks for your insight. God’s been working on my heart (even speaking through my husband, but I didn’t want to listen) to give up the shows I watch at night. I know they’re not glorifying to God and there’s no room for some of the things that are said. I also know I “veg” when I am emotionally drained instead of regaining my strength from the Lord. So funny, but you were talking about food… God worked through you and convicted me completely on what i’ve been ignoring. I need to cut it out. Thanks!
Samantha says
Honesty is so beautiful. Thank you for this post, it resonated with me on a number of levels.
Melissa says
Thank you so much Lysa…..this is an area I have been working on ever since I can remember. It is not just a matter of my weight, but hiding what I do when I eat. I have been hiding an eating disorder since I was in my late 20’s. I have everything to live for, I don’t have anything to stress over and yet I still have “an eating problem” – what gives! Thank you so much for sharing. I pray for all those with the same problems (from small to larger) and also place at the feet of our almighty savior this difficulty. Thank you again for sharing! I love reading all your issues on your site! Melissa
Amy Sullivan says
No, food isn’t my issue, but you are right, the same scripts play through my head in other areas of my life. I’ve been hearing lots about your book!
Amanda N says
“A whole lifetime could be spent making excuses, giving in, feeling guilty, resolving to do better, mentally beating myself up for not sticking to my resolve, feeling like a failure, and then resigning that things can’t change.”
This describes the pattern I have been stuck in recently – not in regards to food, but in regards to procrastination. I am a junior in college and writing my capstone thesis, and my motivation has been pitiful this semester. I am coming more and more to realize that my struggles with procrastination are a symptom of deeper insecurities and fears that I have not done a good job of bringing before God. Thank you for the encouragement to seek change rooted in the LORD!
thesavingmom(jessica) says
WOW WOW WOW WOW! Amazing clarity. And I LOVED the way you took the com off of compromise. I needed to see that today. Thank-you! ~Jessica
Kate @ Songs Kate Sang says
Thank you for your honesty. I totally relate.
Amanda K says
Thank you Lysa. I felt that you were looking inside of me and writing what I often think and say to myself to excuse my dependence on food. I resolved today to make a change and then I read this. I’d say that God was sending me a message 🙂
Robin Dance says
It’s still so hard for me to imagine you as overweight; I’ve only seen you thin.
But this book is encouraging, convicting but not condemning and your perspective IS helpful in dealing with life change for the glory of God!!! I’m SURE many will be prompted to action as a result of reading it……..and God will do a beautiful work of transforming :).
Living the Balanced Life says
*I was made to consume food. But, food was never supposed to consume me.*
I love this line. I need to remember this when tempted to reach for the cookies for the 3rd time in a day.
Bernice
Create habits instead of resolutions
ANN says
THANKS FOR THE ENCOURAGMENT.
I WAS REALLY TRYING A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO AND FEELING PRETTY GOOD UNTIL WE WENT ON A TRIP AND I TOTALLY GOT OFF TRACK. I AM AT THE PLACE WHERE NOTHING FITS AND I WILL NOT GO BUY CLOTHES BUT I FEEL SO OUT OF CONTROL. I VOICED MY USUAL “IM SO FAT” MY GRANDDAUGHT OVER HEARD AND SAID, BUT “GRAN YOU ARE STILL LOVED”. THIS REALLY SPOKE TO ME. SO TODAY I HAVE REPENTED AND AM BEGINNING AGAIN. PLEASE PRAY FOR ME.