Thursday, February 27, 2014

Courageous

I can’t believe it’s been six weeks already—how time flies! Lots of things have happened; God has been chiseling at some hard placed in my heart, and I’ve continued this journey of seeking holiness and surrender in all areas of my life. I’ve had some victories, I’ve made some mistakes, and I’ve felt God working in me. I was interested by the choice of our final word, but as I thought about it, it totally makes sense.

It’s interesting to me that obedience to the Lord so often called for a measure of courage and faith. There are some things that we are asked to do that are, quite honestly, a little wild by this world’s standards. Also interesting to me, is that when you do take a deep breath, make the leap (or step!) of faith, you never crash and burn in spectacular failure. Yes, it might not go perfectly as you imagined it, but God blesses our slightest efforts towards obedience, and really, we have nothing to lose when we obey, but oh so much to gain. So why does it still take so much courage to step out in obedience to the Lord?

Speaking from my own personal experience, it takes a big measure of courage to admit that you have a food issue, and a big part of that issue is sin. It takes courage to decide that you aren’t going to live like that anymore. It takes courage to make the necessary changes to your eating and routine, and it takes courage to keep choosing self-denial over self-gratification—especially when you are surrounded by people who either don’t understand this journey you are on or will never need to go on a similar one.

Living in victory and obedience is a constant exercise in courage—being brave enough to make the changes to our routines and hearts that will result in better health and closeness to God. May I not forget what I have learned, and keep praising the Lord always for this body that He has given me that is a constant reminder to me that I need to fill myself with Him and His goodness, not the temporary pleasures of sugar and carbs.

“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid...for the Lord you God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6

4 comments:

  1. Lina - OH how He DOES bless our tinest efforts toward obedience! I love you included Deuteronomy 31:6 here. That He never leave us... that is the grace. I pray that God continues to strengthen you on your journey.
    Missy (OBS Blog Hop Team)

    ReplyDelete
  2. That is the second time I have seen that verse today! God must be trying to tell me something as well. I loved reading your thoughts on the different words you have been studying. I hope you continue to grow in God's love for you! Miss you! Give your kids a hug for me!
    Yolanda

    ReplyDelete
  3. This was awesome, very encouraging. I remember when I was on a previous losing weight journey and when the last class ended, one of the members said-"great, it's over" and I took it too literal. I decided that I would be done because I was happy where I was weight wise, but I wasn't whole nor in a place to want a different life. Now I see I need courage for every choice, every moment of every day!!
    Valerie(group 40)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thank you for posting this!! It made me think of Peter...which made me think of this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeTu8twnGvU. God bless! ~ Miriam

    ReplyDelete