In my last sermon as I was teaching on spiritual warfare, I mentioned that I had been strongly convicted about something while I was preparing for that message. I was teaching that one of the primary goals of satan and demonic forces is our death. Death entered the world because of sin and satan simply wants us dead. John 10:10 says, "The thief comes to steal and kill and destroy."I've blogged in the past about my struggle with my weight and health. I'm literally about 100 lbs overweight. I love food and hate most exercise. I'm a type-2 diabetic and I'm not consistent at monitoring my sugar levels or taking my meds. I have a family history of heart disease. Honestly, I'm a walking time bomb! And there are days I can really feel it.
So the thing I was really convicted about this week was that, for me, this is not simply a health issue. I truly believe it's a major spiritual issue. I believe satan would be thrilled if he could take me out and cut my ministry short and I believe that's exactly what he's trying to do.
On top of that, as a pastor I feel a great responsibility to be the best example of Christian living that I can be. It really bothers me that this is an area of my life that I can't be that example. It's really the biggest area of my life that I'm not just struggling in, but defeated in.
So here's the deal. I'm going to sincerely try, with God's help, to turn this around. I'm not talking about a crash diet or anything. I'm talking about my health. I'm sure I'll lose weight, but that's not really my goal. My goal is healthy living. I want to reverse my diabetes and have a stronger heart. A couple of things:
- First of all to God, my family, and to Living Hope Church...I'm sorry that I've allowed myself to be defeated by this and live irresponsibly. I want to be disciple/husband/father/pastor for as long as God wants me to be and not a day less.
- Second...I've asked Living Hope's elders to hold me accountable in this issue. To ask me or Jamie if I've actually been eating right and exercising. And to chew my butt if I haven't.
- Third...A good friend has committed to come alongside of me and serve as a trainer/coach to push me harder than I naturally push myself. I'm so grateful for this!
I know this will be difficult but it's got to change. I can't continue to allow our enemy to handcuff me like this. Please pray for me. GOD IS GOOD AND VICTORIOUS!
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4 comments:
Jeff------You can do it !!!! Healthy is a daily choice. Just today I made a BAD choice over a food item (GIRL SCOUT COOKIES) and am trying to not feel to guilty about it. I walked a mile just to eat a few cookies ? UGGGGGGGG
You can do it for yourself, family and the people that love you !!!!!
I know how difficult it can be to loose weight......It's an everyday thing !!!!
Be strong and never quit....just take it day by day !!!!
Thanks, Steph!
Hey Jeff, great goal! I've recently started taking an online nutrition class and I've had a similar revelation. I pretty much eat healthy already but I do have a few weak spots. Reading the textbook has opened my eyes. I now actually see why "bad" is "bad" and "good" is "good". It's making it that much easier to "put down the donuts". I know you are a big reader so that might be an angle you take. It also helps to get the facts and not rely on the media hoopla! You know the debate about high fructose corn syrup, well according to the scientific text book it really is broken down the same. You know, things like that, that try to confuse us! There is also a book called "Eat This, Not That" I've heard is good. It is basic so it helps for those quick ideas for substitutes. I've seen it at Costco.
Anyway, just thought I'd share.
Thanks. I have the EAT THIS, NOT THAT book and it really is helpful. I've also read Michael Pollan's THE OMNIVORE'S DILEMMA. It's very enlightening about the whole high fructose corn syrup. I'm pretty much convinced that after I die, corn will grow over my grave!
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