Weight Loss, God's WaySample

WHAT’S STOPPING YOU?

Scripture Reflection 

“I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do". ~ Romans 7:15 NIV

“Character is expressed through our behavior patterns or natural responses to things.” ~ Joyce Meyer

Why is it that in spite of our deep desire for weight loss, we continually make the same mistakes of poor food choices and other dis-empowering behaviors? Why do we continue to cling so tenaciously to patterns that don’t serve us? 

Truth is, most of our patterns are unconscious. We’ve held onto them so long that we don’t even realize that they keep us stuck. To finally be free of the things that hold us back, we must first identify our defeating patterns, behaviors, thoughts, and choices, and turn them over to God. These ‘dream-robbers’ keep us from living the life that we were born to live. Our assignment is to subdue and overcome these dream-robbers if we want to keep unwanted weight off forever.

Paul’s struggle with sin was as real for him as it is for us. In Romans 7:15, we hear the cry of a desperate man so frustrated with his sin nature. 

In Luke 5:8, Simon Peter also comes to grips with his sinful nature as he realizes that God is even interested in helping him catch fish! He remarks, “Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.”

Coming to grips with your sinful nature is the first step in allowing the Spirit of God to dwell richly in you; gradually replacing your fears and faults with Christ’s freedom from what’s been holding you back. Like Simon Peter and Paul, once we realize our sinful nature and understand how deeply it's ingrained in us, then and only then, can we begin to understand that Christ is the only one who can help us if we are willing to allow him.

Today’s Health Challenge

Write one recurrent pattern or behavior that keeps you from reaching your goal. Now write how these behaviors have shown up in your life at the following stages.

Childhood:
Teenager:
Adult:

Today’s Confession

Have mercy on me, O Lord. You have searched me and helped me uncover my anxious thoughts. I now begin the process of rooting them out forever. I thank You for replacing my old behaviors with new ones that are pleasing to Your eyes. Because of Your love, I am dead to sin. I boldly take hold of Your power that gives me victory over sin.