Chapter 1 Wrap-Up

Well, so far this week is going well. Actually, I've been doing well since Monday. Yesterday was a good day. I went with my daughter on her field trip, so I did get plenty of walking in. I only ate when I was hungry, and that meant that I didn't finish my breakfast or lunch at one time! I didn't eat after 7pm, even though I really wanted to. Because I didn't eat after 7pm, I didn't have any sweets either. For my quiet time, I reflected on some of the passages in "Reshaping It All." Here they are.

p.4--"I desire to walk [under the umbrella of grace] in fellowship with Him."
This is what God desires from us anyway. Jesus calls us his friends. When I am friends with someone, I want to spend time with that person. Spending time with God gives me the strength I need to say "yes" to those things I should and "no" to what I need to. I have the freedom to do what I should; therefore, I don't need to give in to the pull of food.

p.6--"There something oddly comforting about...the thought of food that tricks our minds into believing that it can and will fill our void."
What is it about filling my belly full of food that makes me feel comforted and fulfilled? In one sense the fullness numbs the pain of what I'm dealing with. But really that's not how we should deal with our issues. It's just a way to hide from issues. And actually, I haven't overeaten in so long, that I am a much more pleasant person after dinner. I tend to get so cranky after overfilling my belly!

p.6--"I sought moral reformation instead of a spiritual transformation."
I think this sentence really gets to the heart of why we have a hard time changing. We want to change our external behaviours first when what we should do is change our hearts. When the state of my heart changes, then I am able to make the necessary external changes. I wonder how many Christians go through life this way, getting frustrated when they fall into the same sin over and over again. Not that I'm picking on anyone, because I only just got this this year! I started praying for God to show me my heart, and he did. Over time, I saw how my heart was more like the Pharisees rather than the the heart of a genuine follower of Christ. Really what is what was was my pride keeping me from authentically bowing my knee to Jesus. Only when I am being an authentic follower will I see my life truly change.

And that's what this whole journey is about anyway. The weight loss is a bonus to be sure. I won't deny that. But the focus needs to be on Jesus and living my life for him. My food issues were gods and idols that had no right being in my life. With my eyes on Jesus I can say no to food that I don't need. I can make healthier choices, because my body is the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. Being cranky from overeating is not conducive to living a life in step with God. I am made for more than that, and I will strive to live a life that is pleasing to my God and Saviour.

Live in freedom!

PS: I'm linked up with Courtney at Women Living Well!