Wednesday, September 18, 2013

By: Gwen Hitt

You've Worked TOO Hard to Give In

1 Corinthians 10:12  If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall.

For many years, I have battled with my weight. I do well for a period of time and then I become complacent and unfortunately gain back the pounds that I worked so very hard to shed.

I recently acquired several photos of myself when I was at my heaviest weight from a friend. A co-worker who did not know me at that time was amazed. He told me that I now look like a totally different person. As I walked away, I began to reflect on what he said.

Possibly, to him, I look like a "different" person, but on the inside, I am still struggling with the same temptations that led me to reach that all-time heaviest weight. You see, I have recently gained 15 pounds, and the scale is now reflecting a number that I promised myself that I would never see again!

In my reflection of my co-worker's response to my pictures, I have come to realize that today's scripture holds the answer to why I continually struggle with the same issue. I have determined that each time I meet my weight loss goal, I grow complacent...thinking that I have this under control. Once I begin operating under this assumption, the pounds slowly return because I am no longer abiding as diligently to a healthier way of eating.

For me, succumbing to temptations to overindulge in my favorite foods is my downfall. For others, the temptations are associated with drug addiction, alcoholism, gambling, pornography, infidelity ..... and, sadly, the list could go on and on.

Genesis 4:7 warns that "...Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master." Even when you have achieved your goal or your breakthrough, it is important to always be on guard!

1 Corinthians 10:13 offers the following encouragement for each and every one of us - "The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure."

My challenge to you when faced with temptation is to turn to God. He has promised to show you a way out! Additionally, never stop pushing to maintain what you have worked SO hard to achieve.

Dear Lord, I am grateful for Your faithfulness in picking me up when I fall. My desire is to always operate in Your strength and not in my own.

I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.