Power Exchange: Part 1

I began rebelling against the rules and regulations of diets and food plans years ago.  A lifetime of struggling taught me that the struggle had a way of always winning in the long run, and way too often in the short run.   Binge eating was my way of life I could see no way out.  What a helpless feeling to believe you can’t change!

When we are in the woes and throes of gaining weight, it can be very difficult to follow any of the numerous diet plans available out there.  But we can find ourselves instantly derailed for eating something we consider forbidden or not on the plan.  We then slide so easily into the pattern of the weeks and months, and even decades of eating with abandon.  Why?   Because it’s comfortable. Familiar. Habitual. 

Habitual. There’s the key.  We tend to blame our failures on the lack of our own willpower to do (or not do) whatever the newest diet fad dictates.  I remember over the years asking God, myself, and my mother, “What’s wrong with me?!”  It really felt as if I was controlled by cravings, like I had no power to overcome, and as often and as hard as I prayed, God seemed to be ignoring me. 

How I’d prayed, or rather I begged God fervently for freedom, but now I realize that I didn’t understand freedom at all, and I refused to listen to anything that wasn’t my preconceived idea of freedom, and I would get angry when someone suggested I had choices.  I sure didn’t feel as if I had any choice but to the way I was: bound!   After all, I didn’t choose to be this way, and I sure wouldn’t choose to remain in bondage, right?

Well, not exactly.

I know first-hand the iron grip a binge can have on you.  I know it is so much easier to believe you can’t rather than saying, “Oh, yes I can!”   But if you want out, you must get your head around the truth:  You do have a choice. 

This week, I plan to share a lot about freedom, change, breaking habits, and a complete power exchange…from your (lack of) willpower to God’s will in your life.  If you want to start on the road to freedom, then your assignment today is to believe. You can’t control everything in your day, but when it comes to what goes into your mouth, you are in control, and that’s a fact, no matter what your mind is telling you.  If you binge again all day, do it with your eyes wide open knowing that you have a choice.  Then start telling yourself that you don’t have to live this way:

• “I don’t have to live this way,” as you gobble down fast food in your car. 
• “I don’t have to live this way,” as you privately eat all those cookies. 
• “I don’t have to live this way,” as you polish off two quarts of ice cream. 
• “I don’t have to live this way,” as you keep eating even though you are so full you are uncomfortable and already feeling guilty. 

And if your find yourself in the store stocking up on carbs for the evening, as you toss those Snickerdoodles in your basket, admit to yourself that it is a choice you are making.  Accept responsibility.  Yes, not eating them would be a whole lot harder, but again, it is a choice, that’s all you need to acknowledge right now:  If you eat it, it is your choice.

I need to be clear on one thing though.   If you are reading this and the main goal you have is losing weight, you may as well stock up on Atkins bars and peanuts.  If, however, you are ready for a closer walk with God, to begin to understand all that was paid for on the Cross of Christ, and to have life and life more abundantly, come visit me again.  I’m not saying I have all the answers, but I know the One who does. 

Read Power Exchange: Part 2