I love to start new things. Whether it’s a project, craft, website or Bible Study, I am a great initiator. In the first blush of new beginnings, I enthusiastically gather supplies, carve out time, invite a few friends and plunge right in.
Dieting is no exception. I have started many diets and done incredibly well.
For a while…
Poor Endings
But alas, I am not a good finisher. As the project, study, craft or diet heads towards that deadly midpoint, my enthusiasm inevitably begins to wane. With the initial burst of energy spent and the finish line nowhere in sight, my attention starts to waver I really want to move on to the next new thing. When the going gets tough, Kim gives up.
This is not good. (But I’ll bet you already knew that.)
A Genetic Advantage
I’ve often looked enviously at those women who can count the cost, make a commitment and see it through to the bitter end. They are a rare breed, and we obviously share no common genes.
At least, that’s my excuse!
So, here we are smack in the middle of no man’s land in our “Made to Crave” journey. And yes, it’s getting harder, the siren voices calling “quit, quit” are getting louder and my attention is looking for the nearest distraction to help me escape.
It’s no small coincidence that James 1:2-4 are some of our verses this week.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4
Perseverance
Out of all the completely cool words in those verses the one that really jumped out at me was ‘produces.’ “… PRODUCES perseverance.”
What? Perseverance is product of something? It isn’t inherited from parents who came from the higher end of the ‘stick to it no matter what’ gene pool? Perseverance is actually attainable? Even for someone like me? Wow – the implications are enormous.
I eagerly put the verse in reverse to see what it is that produces this amazing gift of stick-to-it-ive-ness. Hmmm, ‘…the testing of your faith produces perseverance.’
Jesus Is Better
Well, I certainly qualify. In this “Made to Crave” journey, my faith is being tested. A lot. I need faith that Jesus is better than Ding Dongs. Faith that turning away from the refrigerator is actually pleasing to God. Faith that He really is the Object and Satisfier of all my desires. Faith that He will give me the power to do what He has called me to do.
According to James, this fight is about more than just the battle of the bulge. It is a pitfall-strewn but God-possible path to the holy grail of perseverance. Perseverance that could go on to serve me in all areas of my life, so much so that I am to face each temptation with joy knowing that God is building a whole new habit of endurance inside of me.
I love the way that “The Message” captures these thoughts:
Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.
James 1:2-4
Clearly, healthy living is just one benefit that I’ll receive as I stand firm. Each temptation along the way is a sheer gift as well.
“Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief.”
Jump Right In
To increase accountability and encourage others PLEASE take a minute to comment below: introduce yourself, share your successes or struggles, add your food list or simply say ‘hi.’
The journey to change will be more successful if you walk it with others.
What About You?
How are you doing at the mid-point of our journey?
Please join our discussion and
leave a comment here.
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Tags: Made to Crave
Mmmhmmm, I’m right there with you, Kim. I am so much a struggler with “middles.” The beginning of things, the impetus is so much more enjoyable. So many possibilities! So much opportunity! Then my excitement wanes, my dedication flouders. I love the verse you quoted today. I’ve considered having “persistence” tattooed somewhere on my body as a reminder.
I find it interesting that those of us doing this study together all seem to be on a similar page at a similar time. If I were doing this alone, past experience has taught me, I’d definitely be throwing up my hands saying that this is impossible, I can never change and then slipping back into comfortable but destructive old patterns.
Hi Joyous,
I’m glad to hear that I’m not the only one who relishes those new beginnings. I’m so glad we are all hanging in here together
. Keep up the good work.
I really need to meditate on these versus. I am struggleing and am gaining weight!!! I have been giving in to temptation and not relying on God…PLEASE pray for me today. thanks…
Hi Dianne,
I’m praying…
“Dear Heavenly Father ~ You know Dianne intimately and love her beyond her comprehension. She desires to love and serve you with every part of her being - mind, soul, strength and her body. Eating in a way that pleases You is a battle and it is fierce. I pray that Dianne will be able to distinguish the lies of the enemy from Your precious truths. Give her courage to persevere, to submit and to obey You in everything. Help her to accept Your love and forgiveness for past mistakes and allow her to move forward with joy. In Jesus Name, Amen.”
Dianne - asking for prayer in the struggle is victory in and of itself. Good for you! I’ll keep praying…
This was very timely for me as i steped on the scale this morning and noticed it was up i became discouraged and thought what the heck… to keep going when the results aren’t there is so hard but i know that if i continue to give up it will never change.. thanks for encouraging me to keep going on for real change not only physically but spiritually as well.
Hi Karen,
Woohoo! Keep on keeping on. In your perseverance, He will be faithful!
Have a wonderful, low-calorie day!
I got on the scale this morning fully expecting to be rewarded for staying on my plan. I felt lighter. I had been at the same weight for a week, today was the day….yup, I gained a pound…why do I bother? But wait…I asked myself the chapter 8 questions. I needed this message today…don’t give up. Thank you.
Hi Diana,
Wow - good for you on several counts. Congratulations for staying on your plan all week. And especially good for you for pausing, asking yourself the important questions and staying on track. Yay!
Thanks for being such an inspiration.
Kim
I knew I was sinning, but I went to Dunkin donuts and got 2 chocolate chip muffins and a 20oz. coffee with 6 creamers and 6 sugars + 2 more packs of sugars. I keep asking God for accountability and He gives me no one. Also, I don’t have internet access at home ( except a small phone that is not always compatible with some websites, so I have to go somewhere to share with people. I don’t know why God won’t give me a flesh and blood person to be accountable with and to talk about this with. A born-again, spirit-filled person who is obedient in other areas ( like titheing and giving offerings above the 10% gross tithe that belongs to the local church) etc.
I don’t know why He always wants us to be alone. I have asked Him and asked Him. The Bible says in Hebrews that we’re supposed to spur each other on to good works and also that we are to encourage each other daily so that none of us become hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. And yet, here I am as a born-again, spirit-filled Christian all alone most of the time, fighting this battle. Yes, people know in my church about it, but no one has God allowed to led me to, to be accountable to and they haven’t come to me either, so it must not be God’s will. But I don’t understand why, God would want us alone and not encouraging each other. I thought we were supposed to confess our faults one to another and pray for one another that we may be healed.
Hi Fran,
I have to admit that God’s way are mysterious, but I’m glad that you are here sharing your journey with us
Oh, well, I should have proof read this last message before submitting it. What I wanted to say was:
Yes, people know in my church about this
( my struggles with food), but God has allowed me to be led to no one as of yet for accountability ( I keep asking Him and He hasn’t laid anyone on my heart) and neither has anyone in the church come to me.