October 21, 2010
I'll Start Again on Monday
Lysa TerKeurst
"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us."
Romans 8:37 (NIV)
Devotion:
Have you ever caught yourself compromising your healthy eating plan with the little "I'll start again on Monday" escape clause? Me too.
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. By the end of the night my friends and I were giggling over the attention of 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. 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 and 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 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 Monday" escape clause?"
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 today for a list of other "Go To Scripts" perfect for those trying to get healthy!
If this devotion resonated with you, click here to pre-order Lysa's upcoming book "Made to Crave… satisfying life's deepest desire with God not food." This will be a perfect book to use individually or in your January Bible study group. Preorder your copy at a 31% discount this week only and it will ship to you in December.
The "Made to Crave" DVD and Bible study workbook will be released January 10.
Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa is also a great resource to use for group Bible Studies and it's available now on sale!
Application Steps:
If food is an issue for you, visit www.LysaTerKeurst.com 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 with me through this journey of learning to make healthier choices?
Power Verse:
Psalm 78:18, "They willfully put God to the test by demanding the food they craved." (NIV)
© 2010 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
Originally published Thursday, 21 October 2010.
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