This week God has just blown me away with His leading. It’s amazing how involved He can be in your life if you want Him to be! Dozens of “God-incidences” have filled each of the last four days, and this project has only just begun! I want to communicate a number of different ideas tonight while sharing these happenings with you, which I will endeavor to do in brief, so that once again I might actually get some sleep tonight, although thankfully, Daddy did return last night from his business travels.
A very profound truth has occupied our (me and H’s) thoughts over the last eight months, from Psalm 37:23 (AMP): “The steps of a [good] man are directed and established by the Lord when He delights in his way [and He busies Himself with his every step].” Father’s hands work constantly to direct each and every step we make—nothing happens by coincidence. I have asked myself and Father why I am almost 35 and only now addressing my idolatry and addictions, thinking I should have matured faster or somehow, some way, been able to overcome these lifetime, fleshy thorns before. What H and I have reminded each other time and again is this truth—God orders our steps! He works all things together in His time, not ours. And every person who is reading my blog is meant to be doing so at this very minute, just as I am meant to be writing it, experiencing it, struggling through and surrendering to it, and then, finally, to overcome it and walk in victory with a testimony that will challenge and change the lives of many.
This “70 in 7” project began this Monday, April 1st. I posted the blog address on Facebook that night and immediately began hearing from friends, old ones and recent ones alike, who are charged up, on board, willing to help, willing to counsel, wanting to stand by me (and H and J), and praying for inspiration and hope for a journey they themselves face. I am honored and touched to be a part of your journey, and I can only say that as I put God first in all things, I know He will lead me where I need to go and put the right people in my path to make this seemingly unrealistic and impossible task of losing 70 pounds in 7 months actually come to pass!
A number of concerned folks also chimed in, with love and care, thankfully, regarding a somewhat negative tone that my project introduction took on. I am extremely grateful for such thoughtful words, for I realize that this journey is one of transformation in mind and spirit, as well as in body. Some of my negative self-talk is leftover whispers from a lifetime of shame, beginning as an overweight child and overweight teen and overweight adult. My mindsets do not necessarily reflect the Truth, and I desire that they should be remodeled and renewed according to Scripture.
Therefore, tonight I will begin with memorizing Romans 8:1 (AMP): “Therefore, [there is] now no condemnation (no adjudging guilty of wrong) for those who are in Christ Jesus, who live [and] walk not after the dictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit.” I am venturing to seek the guidance of the Spirit of God with every choice I make, whether it be about food or friend, child or chocolate, dress or dessert. And as I choose to obey His dictates, I know that no shame shall follow me wherever He leads.
The Art of Choosing True Life 