It's so rainy and gross here today. I'm dreaming of an upcoming spring break trip to the Bahamas I will be taking with my best friends. Only 2 short months....but today I would even settle for being at home curled up in bed with a good book...but alas..I'm at work.
Speaking of good books.... I am a reading fanatic. In my perfect world I would read books all day...and write. I'm a lover of YA lit and everything it entails and for years now I've been hearing people rave about The Hunger Games. After reading the synopsis I was sure I would NOT enjoy it. But it is literally one of the best books I've ever read...go...read it...do it now!!!!
Lately I've been thinking about my relationship with food...and also it's made me think about my relationship with God. I know that is weird to some. But I honestly think, for me, there could be a direct correlation between my temptation to eat unhealthy food and my temptation for fleshly things that could hinder my relationship with Christ.
I think will power is one of the greatest gifts to possess. To be able to turn a way from whatever temptation, that is NOT good for one, is incredibly important to be able to do. Truth is...we are all different and we all battle with different circumstances. My battles are mine and your battles are yours. But as I read the word and the ways in which Christians are to resist temptation I can't help but to think about applying this to my relationship with food.
1.) Being realistic about temptation and run away from it-It's important to know when and where we are commonly tempted. For instance, if you battle with alcohol addiction...it's probably safe to say you should be up in a club or bar partying it up. Keep yourself safe...that means staying away from the things that tempt you. When we are tempted we are enticed by our own need for fleshly desires. How I can apply this to food: not allowing myself to go out to eat everyday...not having unhealthy food in the house etc. Just stay away from it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
2.) Resisting temptation using the Word of God- God calls us to take care of our temple! REALLY take care of it. For me personally that means that being the 255 pound previous Ashley is NO longer an option. That was not me taking care of myself. That was me bringing on a great deal of unwanted health problems and securing an early grave for myself. I didn't just lose weight to look hot in my new size 4 jeans...that is a nice benefit, BUT it's way more important to be healthy. I have not done well at remembering this throughout my weight loss journey. At times the process was slow and just plan DIFFICULT, but day by day I was making my temple healthier and taking care of it. Everyday though, I will need to continue to resist and make sure I do the best for me and my temple. How can I apply this to food: easy...resisting that temptation and how can I do that? Hebrews 4:12 --Keeping Gods word active inside me and constantly pursuing what's right.
3.) Refocusing with Praise- How often do you end up giving into temptation when your mind is fully on the Lord? For me it's so much easier to resist any form of temptation when I'm focusing on what matters...and that is God and his word. How can I apply this to food: Whenever that sweet tooth craving hits me...I'll grab my bible and feed my craving through the word. Psalm 147
4.)Repenting and moving on- How many times as a christian do I beat myself up when I screw up. When I have a crappy attitude or i'm less than kind to someone. Quite often. I think the important thing is realizing tendencies, repenting, and then not wallowing in the misery of one's mistake. God doesn't call us to remind ourselves of our flaws. Remember...he casts our sins as far as the east is to the west. How can I apply this to food: Bottom line is this...I will mess up. I'm not perfect, i'm human. So I skip the gym one day or I eat too much of whatever....all I can do is try to better next time. I've done this many times throughout my journey and I end up spending the day completely ticked off and mad at myself for giving in to the food temptation....from now on...I'll resist...if I mess up...I will DO better next time and I refuse to beat myself up for weeks on end about one food mistake.
Anywho, I know this is long, but it's something that has been on my heart lately. I hope everyone is having a fabulous week!!!
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