Weight Loss
I lost 220 pounds starting in 2010–truly the best thing I ever did for myself, my health, my sanity. Ridding myself of this weight freed me to become everything God intended, and I don’t just mean physically. Mentally and spiritually, I’ve noticed a difference, too. Exercising my right to have a better life has left me with no regrets. I’m learning that’s what God has always wanted for me. I just had to see it and claim it for myself. “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10 NKJV
I know. Several of you are probably thinking, “You should have started making wiser food choices a long time ago so you wouldn’t have gained so much weight to begin with. It was foolish of you not to think of your future and care for your health early on.” The second part of your statement would be true. Still, others who know me may be confused, scratching their heads, wondering, “When did you ever weigh more than 300 pounds? You may have been overweight, but you couldn’t have weighed that much.” And, they also would be right. I’ve never even weighed 200 pounds. So, where am I going with this perplexing information? Stop, go back, and reread the first paragraph. While you review the sentences, ask yourself: where did the author ever mention food? When in her sharing did she claim her weight came from fat on her body? Look closer. I’ll wait. Uh huh. You didn’t read that. You just assumed. The way I structured my thoughts and laid out my words gave a natural progression to the idea that losing something must’ve meant pounds on a scale or inches around the waist. A little misleading, wouldn’t you say? I learned about this world of deception by being connected at one point to someone whose answers always mimicked a ruse, setting up his listeners on purpose to fail at connecting the correct dots. You never knew what to believe or how to decipher information, because the truth rarely appeared in the room during his half of the conversation. He is the 220 pounds I gladly shed from my life.
Why do I share this story? To let you in on a little secret. The devil is the master of deceit. He wants you to become leery of everything around you—so much so that you don’t trust your ability to discern reality. The devil knows you will never have confidence in Christ and trust His working in your life if you’re constantly waiting for the big reveal, believing some twisted punch line is on its way. Think about it. How can you have faith in the unknown if you’re certain the rug is going to be pulled out from underneath you at any moment? A majority of people would agree: second guessing every move and motive is no way to live. However, if you let him, the devil will convince you that everyone is a liar and no one is worthy of that sacred trust God has given us through the Holy Spirit in our lives, but that’s simply not true. If the struggle for clarity in your life continues to hound you, look to what God has to say:
“My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying. Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation. Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones.” Proverbs 3:1-8 NKJV
I’m ready for that healing to begin. How about you?
