Victory Over Your Sugar CravingsSample

Temptation

At some point you’ll undoubtedly confront the urge to fall back into your old ways of eating.   When we are trying to kick the sugar habit it is common for us to ask for “just a bite” of those favorite sugary treats. But you can resist temptations.

God tells us to have self-control. 1 Thessalonians 5:8 says, “But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation.”  It is our responsibility as a Christ follower to do this.  If our self-control waivers, Satan will use our struggles to lead us away from Jesus. We can use our belief to help us make the right choices. As we grow in our walk with Christ, it becomes more important for us to take care of our bodies in order to do His work!

With Jesus, we can fight any temptation we face…that includes sugar.  Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:13, “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experienced.  And God is faithful.  He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand.  When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure.”  Remember this verse.  It will give you courage and strength to resist temptations that you may face throughout each day.

According to Stephen Covey, “We develop our character muscles by overcoming challenges and adversity.” This quote acknowledges that we all will have challenges in life.  Jesus Himself tells us that in John 16:33, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me.  Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows.  But take heart because I have overcome the world.” 

And Maya Angelou says, “I have great respect for the past. If you don’t know where you’ve come from, you don’t know where you’re going.” This is a reminder that we all can learn from the past – what worked, what didn’t work, and use that to move forward in a more successful way.

You will face temptations and obstacles.  It’s part of life.   But there are 3 things you can do to help you with healthier choices, especially when it comes to sugar.

1) Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance and advice.  The Holy Spirit lives within us and we always have unlimited access.

2) Avoid tempting situations – don’t drive past that donut shop, take the scenic route!

3) Our friends and family (the Body of Christ) are here to support us – ask for their help, prayers, and support 

Prayer:

Lord, you overcame Satan's temptations. Please, give me the wisdom to walk away when I am tempted, and the clarity to see the way out that you will provide. Thank you, Lord, that you are a faithful deliverer and that I can count on your help in my time of need.

Challenge:

As Maya Angelou said, we really can learn from our past.  Today you’re going to think about obstacles that have gotten in your way before.   Write down your 3 biggest temptations or roadblocks to consistently making healthy choices, specifically sugar consumption.  Now think of all the things you can do to avoid them or overcome them and write them down.   And don’t forget to pray about them!