Shortly after writing that last post, I sat down to read my latest "quiet time" book. It's called Made to Crave (by Lysa TerKeurst, in case you're interested) and, as you may have guessed, it's all about food (and weight) struggles and how to cling to God in order to overcome them. This quote hit home in such a profound way that I had to stop and share it. I feel like it's relevant to everyone, as it applies to God's sovereignty in what we each struggle with:
"When I get all caught up in how unfair it is that my friend is skinny and doesn't have to work at it, how she can eat what she wants when she wants, and how much it stinks that I can't be like her, I remind myself that God didn't make me to be her. You see, He knew even before I was born that I could easily allow food to be an idol in my life, that I would go to food, instead of to Him, to fulfill my needs. And in His great wisdom, He created my body so that it would experience the consequences of such a choice, so that I would continually be drawn back into His arms. He wants me to come to Him for fulfillment, emotional healing, comfort--and if I could go to food for that and never gain an ounce, well then, what would I need God for?"
Anybody else feel that information hit their heart and explode in wonder? Why is it so easy for me to forget that God doesn't do anything without a purpose? And not just any purpose, a purpose for my good! This weight/eating struggle is not useless! Whatever you struggle with isn't either! And I know for me, that changes everything.
It also brings to mind what the Apostle Paul talks about in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10:
9 But he said to me, j“My grace is sufficient for you, for kmy power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that lthe power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 mFor the sake of Christ, then, nI am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. Forowhen I am weak, then I am strong.
My weaknesses, if I let them, will draw me to the Lord and allow God to do BIG THINGS through me! And I'd rather have God's strength than mine, even if that means I have to live with weaknesses.
Anyway, like I said, I had to share. I hope all of this blesses your heart as it blessed mine.
<3 Leigh
That was sooooo good, Leigh.
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