When we first begin Thin Within or similar approach of eating between the parameters of hunger and satisfaction—we are thrilled that we are free to eat whatever we wish. We delight in what God teaches us about freedom in Christ. Breaking the bondage that diets have held us in for so many years is reason to rejoice!
But, for most, after three weeks or so, the honeymoon ends. We may come to a crashing halt, in fact. We may feel angry, dissatisfied, and/or resentful.
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This is when it is vital to remember, we are called to fight for what is right. Jesus calls us to forsake sin and to give thanks in all circumstances. Contentment—in any circumstance—is our calling. We have desires. We are lured or urged to do, say, eat, think something that isn’t in line with our godly goals. It is at those moments when “suffering” is defined as denying ourselves. We say NO. “Not this time.” “Not now.” We fight against our flesh.
God tells us in Titus that the same grace that brings salvation teaches us to say no to ungodliness and worldly passions.
We have to make costly choices. We have to be willing to deny ourselves.
We are called by our Savior to live a crucified life. In this way we share in the fellowship of Christ’s sufferings. We experience intimacy with God. We count everything else as rubbish compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ.
He laid down his life. He shed His blood. He forsook His kingship in Heaven and perfect fellowship with the Spirit and the Father to take on the flesh of man that He might share in our flesh and blood and experience humanity…ultimately dying as a servant for sinful man. He went through so much and all he is asking of us is to say NO to our fleshly desires outside of godly parameters.
Hebrews 12:1-4 reads:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.
I complain so readily, but *I* haven’t yet resisted to the point of shedding my blood…not even close!
When I think of how much I have grumbled, how apathetic I have been toward sin, how I have allowed food to regain more and more focus in my life…how I have not been vigilant against the enemy who has a will for my life…It MUST stop! The enemy’s will for my life (and yours) is to regain all the weight, experience defeat, failure, and become impotent in our testimony. It is to be a blight on the name of Christ.
I WILL CHOOSE TO REJECT SATAN’s WILL FOR MY LIFE. I am renewing my commitment to reject that will…RIGHT now. I want to ask you…will you join me? Will you reject the Enemy’s will for your life? Will you embrace God’s will? He who knew no sin became sin for us…and suffered accordingly…we are called to identify with him in his death…and say no to our flesh…
He waits. He receives us! There is NO condemnation in Christ!!!! If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us of ALL unrighteousness!
Let us arise from the dust. Let us let him trade our sorrows for his joy!
Will you fight?
