Lysa TerKeurst
"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." Romans 8:37 (NIV)
New Year's Resolutions… some of us like them. Most of us loathe them. But the reality is, a lot of us make them.
And usually right up at the top of most resolutions lists is some version of the promise we'll eat better and exercise more. There is a honeymoon phase the first couple of days of starting a new healthy eating plan. But then you're invited to a party. Your friends are quick to say, "Oh come on, just one won't hurt. This is a special day."
That cheesecake does look good. The Mexican chips and dip are irresistible. It is a special night. I can start again on Monday.
It is so tempting to give in. Set things in reverse. Pretend it won't matter. But it does matter and not just for the physical or mental set back. It's the denial of a fundamental spiritual truth that will make our healthy eating plan fall apart time and time again. What is this truth? We were made for more than this. More than this failure, more than this cycle, more than being ruled by taste buds - we were made for victory. Sometimes we just have to find our way to that truth.
When I was a senior in high school I was invited to a college party. I had a friend who'd graduated the year before me and became my favorite person in the world the day she invited me to her sorority party. By the end of the night we were giggling over the attention given to us by two good looking college boys. As the party died down, they invited us over to their place.
Part of me was so flattered, I wanted to go. A much bigger part of me didn't. But plans got made and before I knew it we were getting into their car and driving away. I was not a strong Christian at this point in my life. Not even close. And I certainly can't say I'd ever heard God speak to me, but in the midst of this situation, I did.
"This isn't you, Lysa. You were made for more than this."
Truth. A gift of truth. Planted deep within me when God personally knit me together – untied and presented at just the right time.
I wound up making an excuse for a quick exit and walking back to my car alone that night. I mentally beat myself up for acting like a young, immature high schooler who couldn't handle being a college party girl. But looking back, I want to stand up on a chair and clap, clap, clap for my little high schooler self!
There were other seasons of my growing up years where I heard this truth loud and clear repeated within the confines of my soul but, sadly, I refused to listen. These were the darkest years of my life. I wasn't made to live a life that dishonors the Lord.
None of us are.
"You were made for more Lysa - you were made for more." I remembered it especially in those early weeks of my new healthy eating adventure when I was tempted by one million assaults on my sugar-deprived taste buds. I just kept mentally repeating ... made for more. Made for more!
And though my healthy eating quest pales in comparison to the importance of a high schooler trying to keep her purity - hunger is hunger. Temptation is temptation. Desire is desire. So, maybe they aren't so different after all.
We were made for more.
What a great truth to use while rewriting the "go to" script that plays in our head every time we're tempted. Rewriting the go-to scripts is one of the most crucial steps toward permanent progress. Remember the script that I mentioned earlier in this article? The excuses? The rationalizations? The "I'll do better on Monday" escape clauses?
We have to rewrite those by getting into the habit of saying other things. And the first of these is, "I was made for more."
Listen to these words from Proverbs 3:5-8, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones."
Trust in the Lord-you were made for more. In all your ways acknowledge Him-you were made for more. Don't try to be wise and do your new diet in your own strength, hold tight to the Lord and flee from temptations-you were made for more. This will bring health and nourishment to you and help you find victory in this struggle-you were made for more!
Dear Lord, I was made for more than getting stuck in a vicious cycle of defeat. I trust You and want to acknowledge You in ALL my ways. Help me to remember I was made for more with each choice I make. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Visit Lysa’s blog for a list of other “Go To Scripts.”
Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa TerKeurst
P31 Woman magazine - this devotion was featured as an article in this month’s magazine. If you enjoyed this article, you might enjoy a one-year subscription to our monthly magazine.
Application Steps:
If food is an issue for you, visit Lysa’s blog for more "Go To Scripts" that will help you overcome tempting situations.
If food is not an issue for you, how does today's devotion apply to your area of struggle?
Reflections:
Who are some friends that can walk through this journey of learning to make healthier choices with me?
Is pursuing healthier eating a vain pursuit or could it have deep spiritual applications in my life as well?
Power Verses:
Psalm 78:18, "They willfully put God to the test by demanding the food they craved." (NIV)
Proverbs 3:5, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him…" (NIV)
© 2010 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.
"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." Romans 8:37 (NIV)
New Year's Resolutions… some of us like them. Most of us loathe them. But the reality is, a lot of us make them.
And usually right up at the top of most resolutions lists is some version of the promise we'll eat better and exercise more. There is a honeymoon phase the first couple of days of starting a new healthy eating plan. But then you're invited to a party. Your friends are quick to say, "Oh come on, just one won't hurt. This is a special day."
That cheesecake does look good. The Mexican chips and dip are irresistible. It is a special night. I can start again on Monday.
It is so tempting to give in. Set things in reverse. Pretend it won't matter. But it does matter and not just for the physical or mental set back. It's the denial of a fundamental spiritual truth that will make our healthy eating plan fall apart time and time again. What is this truth? We were made for more than this. More than this failure, more than this cycle, more than being ruled by taste buds - we were made for victory. Sometimes we just have to find our way to that truth.
When I was a senior in high school I was invited to a college party. I had a friend who'd graduated the year before me and became my favorite person in the world the day she invited me to her sorority party. By the end of the night we were giggling over the attention given to us by two good looking college boys. As the party died down, they invited us over to their place.
Part of me was so flattered, I wanted to go. A much bigger part of me didn't. But plans got made and before I knew it we were getting into their car and driving away. I was not a strong Christian at this point in my life. Not even close. And I certainly can't say I'd ever heard God speak to me, but in the midst of this situation, I did.
"This isn't you, Lysa. You were made for more than this."
Truth. A gift of truth. Planted deep within me when God personally knit me together – untied and presented at just the right time.
I wound up making an excuse for a quick exit and walking back to my car alone that night. I mentally beat myself up for acting like a young, immature high schooler who couldn't handle being a college party girl. But looking back, I want to stand up on a chair and clap, clap, clap for my little high schooler self!
There were other seasons of my growing up years where I heard this truth loud and clear repeated within the confines of my soul but, sadly, I refused to listen. These were the darkest years of my life. I wasn't made to live a life that dishonors the Lord.
None of us are.
"You were made for more Lysa - you were made for more." I remembered it especially in those early weeks of my new healthy eating adventure when I was tempted by one million assaults on my sugar-deprived taste buds. I just kept mentally repeating ... made for more. Made for more!
And though my healthy eating quest pales in comparison to the importance of a high schooler trying to keep her purity - hunger is hunger. Temptation is temptation. Desire is desire. So, maybe they aren't so different after all.
We were made for more.
What a great truth to use while rewriting the "go to" script that plays in our head every time we're tempted. Rewriting the go-to scripts is one of the most crucial steps toward permanent progress. Remember the script that I mentioned earlier in this article? The excuses? The rationalizations? The "I'll do better on Monday" escape clauses?
We have to rewrite those by getting into the habit of saying other things. And the first of these is, "I was made for more."
Listen to these words from Proverbs 3:5-8, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones."
Trust in the Lord-you were made for more. In all your ways acknowledge Him-you were made for more. Don't try to be wise and do your new diet in your own strength, hold tight to the Lord and flee from temptations-you were made for more. This will bring health and nourishment to you and help you find victory in this struggle-you were made for more!
Dear Lord, I was made for more than getting stuck in a vicious cycle of defeat. I trust You and want to acknowledge You in ALL my ways. Help me to remember I was made for more with each choice I make. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Visit Lysa’s blog for a list of other “Go To Scripts.”
Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa TerKeurst
P31 Woman magazine - this devotion was featured as an article in this month’s magazine. If you enjoyed this article, you might enjoy a one-year subscription to our monthly magazine.
Application Steps:
If food is an issue for you, visit Lysa’s blog for more "Go To Scripts" that will help you overcome tempting situations.
If food is not an issue for you, how does today's devotion apply to your area of struggle?
Reflections:
Who are some friends that can walk through this journey of learning to make healthier choices with me?
Is pursuing healthier eating a vain pursuit or could it have deep spiritual applications in my life as well?
Power Verses:
Psalm 78:18, "They willfully put God to the test by demanding the food they craved." (NIV)
Proverbs 3:5, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him…" (NIV)
© 2010 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.
Labels: Balance, Contentment, Friendships, God's Perspective, Holidays, Identity in Christ, Overcoming, Perseverance, Relationships, Spiritual Growth, Trusting God, Walking in Faith
14 Comments:
1 Timothy 4:8, keep things in prospective
What a great devotional to start the day! Thank you, Lysa, for writing so honestly and encouragingly. Something I've learned is to do the next right thing. Sometimes, it's hard to look at the "war" when the "battle" is so hard to overcome. By doing the next right thing, we'll slowly make our way to victory in each battle. God bless you today!
I have struggled with weight all my life, and had given up the fact that God was going to help with my "addiction"...if only I was addicted to drugs, then maybe I could pray about it. I feel stupid praying about my food choices and habits. Its so shameful to not be able to control what you put in your mouth. Now I see how I can tie my eating plan into my prayer life with truth. Thank you!
I can relate to the story of getting away from the college boys.....even though I am 45 and married for 25 years, I was tempted just last night to cheat, I came so close, and God helped me, I escaped, I am made for more...Thank you Lord
many times we tell ourselves i'll start again on monday..but remember paul who daily had to die again to continue his walk with God? we must die to self everyday to obtain that which God intends for us to become. two forces control our lives daily...our will or Gods will. chose each day to walk in Gods will. put on the whole armor of God everyday. For ye have need of patience, that after you have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. hebrews 10:36. and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage hebrews 2:15. Grace be with you all.
Great post!
Thank you for reminding me "I was made for more"!!!
1st response... diets & restrictions set you up for failure. If it is too regimented, folks wanna give up. There is a difference between discipline & dictatorship. I think you can allow yourself a little freedom, as long as you're disciplined to continue on making the "better" choices...
2nd response (as I read further) - Oh man! Where were you last night at BIBLE STUDY, of all places where I totally caved to 2 pieces of cake & four cotlets, putting me 200 cals over my range & breaking my 11-day streak? Oh, the irony of it all!
You don't hear v7-8 of Prov 3 much. 5-6 get all the press. Perhaps the cake isn't the evil thing, but the temptation is. Man, I am weak on Wednesday nights.
Thank you, Lysa! ♥
Lysa, thank you so much for your inspired and inspiring message. I am focused in 2010 on my health, fitness and relationship with Christ. On my way to a business lunch, I was thinking about french fries and bad things...but I chose a salad with dressing on the side instead. I came back to my office and say today's message and it was such a "YES!" moment. Thanks for answering the call and calling us all to do the same.
Lysa, I LOVE how this perspective not only allows us to rise above the current temptation, but ALSO, over time and through repeated victories,can you imagine how our Christ-confidence is solidified? Talk about new creatures! :-) And please, please take this next part in the encouraging spirit it's intended: for info on the hypen vs. the dash, I'd love you to visit my blog:
http://klay-slay.blogspot.com/2009/11/friday-fix-hypen-or-dash.html
As a teen girl battling to overcome self injury, this was encouraging to read today, especially on a day where I gave in. It was good for me to hear that I was made for more than failure, and that I can stand against anything that tries to pull me from God. A good reminder that it’s not ok to start on Monday, rather we as Christians are supposed to stand against temptation now. Thank you Lysa.
Lizzie
What an awesome word! Thank you for sharing this. I have always had an issue with food but this really hit me since I have started a 40 day fast with my church. I am denying myself of the very things I love to eat the most....STARCHES! (Rice, Bread, Pasta and Potatoes) God help me! It's only the 4th day and I can't tell you how many times I've just wanted to "give up" and start again on Monday, lol. Praise God for the Holy Spirit who gives me the strength to not give up or give in.
Wow! What an amazing message, and I want to thank you for your honesty. As I was reading your story about the sorority party and how you heard GOD speak and you obeyed and got out of the car, I was sitting here thinking, there were many times when I heard and didn't obey. As I read further down I saw how you were honest about the times when you didn't obey and found yourself just I like found myself, in a dark place. We do truly overcome him by the blood of the lamb and by the word of our testimony.
YES!!! I was made for more! I receive that word in the name of Jesus! I was made for more! My son was made for more! My family was made for more!
Amazing! This is such a wonderful message for myself as well as to share with my children and others. I will keep this thought in mind for the rest of my life. I took parts of this devotional and put my own thoughts and put together a short letter to my kids. I sent it to the email I set up for them. They aren't even old enough to get into the email yet but it's so easy to send a quick email when a thought hits me. I'm so glad I have these devotions to help me put my thoughts and hopes into words for my children that they can read for years to come. Thank you so much!
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