Are You Afraid

Don't forget the strategy at the bottom!
We want to help you actively practice what you are reading today!  

So he said, “I heard Your voice in the garden,
AND I WAS AFRAID
because I was naked; and I hid myself.” Genesis 3:10

Have you ever told a little fib about what or how much you ate?  Like, for example, your hubby wants to know, "Who ate the rest of the Oreos?"  Or your kiddos, "Mom, where's the ice cream you just bought?"  
(Just so we're clear, I'm NOT talking from experience here, we are just speaking in hypotheticals, right)?
Someone embarrassed about the fact that they ate the entire carton of ice cream, or whole sleeve of Oreos might be inclined to impulsively respond,
"I don't know.  Maybe you did."  
And why would they feel the need to lie?
 Embarrassment, shame, fear of facing the reality that they just ate ALL that?
The point is, FEAR is a by product of sin.  Meaning, often times it is fear that drives us to sin in the first place.  Fear and anxiety caused me (I mean said person above) to eat the cookies and ice cream.  And fear prompted her to continue the cycle of the lie. Which likely prompted guilt, more eating, etc.  It can literally be a vicious cycle that never ends.
 
Here's the thing:
If you are EVER going to be successful in weight loss, fibs, lies and FEAR have no part in your journey.  
And the absolute worst person you can lie to is YOU!
Even if you can convince someone else that you didn't eat "the whole thing,"  the scale and your jeans will eventually give you away.
Friend, let me help you make a huge leap in your weight loss journey today.  The Bible directs us at least 365 times (some scholars say even more) with one admonition;
"Do Not Fear."  
Do you see that?  God is directing you against the main issue causing you to eat; FEAR.  We are told time and again in the Word that God will take care of our every need, our every concern, our every FEAR.  
We simply must learn to take our fears to the cross and not the kitchen.

God reminded the and women of the Bible this constantly,
 "Do not fear the king of Babylon, of whom you are afraid. Do not fear him, declares the LORD, for I am with you, to save you and to deliver you from his hand." Jeremiah 42:11

Learn from those who have gone before you.  Fear only leads to feelings, and feelings lead to sin.  And for so many of us, that sin is found in food.  
Learning to take your cares and concerns to the cross takes practice.  It takes dedication, and it takes time.  But the results are so far-reaching.  Not only will you find success in weight loss, but you will see God move in areas of your life that have caused fear and anxiety for too long.  The enemy seeks to keep you in bondage.  But God came so that you might have life, a life of abundance and freedom. And that includes freedom from your struggles with food and weight.

Let's Pray.
Dear God,
Fear does cause me to eat.  I have noticed that the minor stresses, anxieties and fears of my day are exactly what cause me to overindulge.  Help me today to take my fears to the cross and not the kitchen.  Remind me that Your plans for me are good.  Help me to see that obedience in my health and wellness journey will bring blessings in so many other areas of my life.  Thank You for continuing to reveal to me that my journey is about so much more than just my weight!  I give You praise!
In the mighty name of Jesus Christ I pray,
Amen

E4M DAILY STRATEGY
Are You Afraid
If fears about this life have caused you to overeat in the past, do not fear anymore.  Below are just a few scriptures to remind you that God has you and He is here to see you through to success!

"But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: 'Fear not! For I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.' "  
Isaiah 43:1
Be encouraged to know that God takes care of His own!

"You came near when I called on you; you said, ‘Do not fear!’"
 Lamentations 3:57
Whenever you call on Him, He is there!

“Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice, for the LORD has done great things!"
Joel 2:21
He is doing great things now, and He will do great things in the future!

"And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.' "
Luke 2:10
Do not be afraid, sweet friend.  God is bringing great news for ALL the people!