The Day That Changed My Life

"Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him."  
James 1:12

I've had many days that changed my life.  The day I was baptized.  The day Tim asked me to marry him; our wedding day.  And  of course, each day that my children were born.  All life-changing events without a doubt.  But there was one other;
the day I began my very last weight loss journey.  
Like most people, I had tried a thousand times before.  Every diet under the sun.  Even some I made up.  Some were healthy, and some were down right dangerous.  

The day was November 30, 2005.  I was desperate.  I had just experienced another Thanksgiving feeling miserable around family.  Sitting on the couch after the "big meal" with a pillow covering my stomach; pretending it was just the way I wanted to sit; but the reality is that it was covering the "rolls" busting out over my "too tight" pants.   I remember feeling so uncomfortable.  I just wanted to disappear.  I hated family events, social events, anything where I had to be around people.  Especially if they hadn't seen me in awhile.
I knew then, that they could see I had gained yet another ten pounds.

But this time it was different and I have only one explanation.  
Jesus took the wheel.
 (After I grudgingly got out of the driver's seat of course.)  
I remember experiencing so many emotions in the months that led up to the decision for me to finally make a change, but one stands out:
exhaustion; both physical and mental.
I was so tired of starting and stopping diets.  So exhausted from losing ten pounds and then gaining fifteen.  I was worn out from feeling so uncomfortable in my skin.
Those feelings are still so fresh.
 If I ponder on them long enough, I can literally feel the pain.

Losing fifty pounds in five and 1/2 months changed the trajectory of my life.  I never intended to start Equipped4More, I just wanted to feel confident in my skin.   But God proved Himself so faithful to me when I gave this battle to Him, I knew I couldn't be the only one.  I had to share my revelations with the world.
I will spend the rest of my life trying to help others see that God really can change the way you look at food and the truth that He wants to be involved; to take the lead.  
And you really can lose this weight once and for all.  
You simply must give it to Him every single day.
Get desperate enough that the pain of staying the same is worse than the pain of change.
Be willing to make the sacrifices to see the change.
It's funny.  The above is exactly what I tell my children when they want to make a change in their lives.  It's o.k. to be uncomfortable.  Discomfort forces change.  As a culture, we are too worried about feeling comfortable.  I would never want my loved ones to settle in their pain just because change is too uncomfortable.
And I don't want that for you, either!
Get uncomfortable today.
This could be the day that changes your life!

Let’s Pray,

Dear God,
Could this really be the day that changes my life and my weight loss journey?  I pray that it is.  I long for this change.  Everyday.  Lord, show me how to turn this journey over to you completely today.  I give you all the glory for my success!
In the mighty name of Jesus Christ I pray,
Amen

E4M DAILY STRATEGY
The Day That Changed My Life
The following scriptures have had great impact on my weight loss journey too.  Read the scripture, then answer the question.  I encourage you to embrace what is revealed.  Tell God you receive it as truth for you in your weight loss journey!

1. "The young lions lack and suffer hunger; but those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing."  Psalm 34:10
If God promises that we will "not lack anything good" when we seek Him, should you seek Him regarding your weight loss? ___________. If so, what will you ask of Him? ________________________________________.

2. "And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven." James 5:15
If you struggle to see that there is sin associated with your eating habits, what does this verse tell you God will do? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.

3. "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it." 1 Corinthians 10:15
 What does this scripture tell you about temptations, and who helps you overcome? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.

4. "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11
What does this verse say God has planned for the outcome of your weight loss journey? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.

Seek the Lord, receive His forgiveness and help and you will find lasting weight loss success!  
This could be the day that changed your life!