Weight Loss, God's WaySample

COUNT THE COST:  WHAT ARE YOU WILLING TO DO?

Scripture Reflection 

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'If any of you wants to be my follower, ...'” ~ Matthew 16:24 NLT

“Something happens whenever you sacrifice.” ~ T.D. Jakes 

There’s no denying that there are mindset differences between thin and healthy people vs. people who struggle to maintain their weight. ‘Thin’ people see food, their health, their bodies, exercise, and life in general from a different perspective than ‘overweight’ people. They make definite and distinct CHOICES and are willing to make sacrifices that most others don’t. So the real question for the person trying to lose weight becomes, "How much are you willing to do?" If weight release is something you really want, then get ready to make the necessary changes to make it happen.

• Are you willing to make the time for exercise regardless of how you feel?
• Are you willing to eat only when you’re hungry and stop when you’re full?
• Are you willing to eat for health and not for pleasure?
• Are you willing to pay the price?
• Are you willing to accept that you are 100 percent responsible for your weight release?
• Are you willing to go for counseling or commit to additional support that you might need to overcome your blockages?

The famous ‘Faith Hall of Fame’ in Hebrews 11 is a perfect example of people in the Bible who overcame the odds and pushed past their comfort level to do what they were called to do. Noah subjected himself to the ridicule of his entire community to build a huge boat on dry land (Gen. 6:1-11:32). At God’s command, Abraham sacrificed his comfortable life as he knew it to journey to a strange and foreign land (Gen. 12:1). 

There are countless other stories of heroes who made incredible sacrifices such as Gideon (Judg. 6-8), Samson (Judg. 13:24-16:31), David (1 Sam. 16, 1 Kings 2), Daniel (Dan. 6), Paul (Acts 7:58-28:31), Samuel (1 Sam. 1-28), and all the prophets.

The fact is, success at anything will take sacrifice and hard work. It will require that you make up your mind that you want to change—no matter what. Yes, change is scary and your body and mind will fight against change, but know that God understands your fears, your weaknesses, and your disappointments, and will never give you more than you can bear (1 Cor. 10:13).

Today’s Health Challenge

Share what adjustments you are going to make to reach your goal. 

Today’s Confession

I am as bold as a lion. I can endure to the end because You are my strength and shield. I have the capacity for victorious living. I operate in excellence and purpose to complete every task that I set out to do. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.