I received a food-issues-question from a friend today -
Does it ever just end, Kendal? Is there complete victory or is it an ongoing battle like Paul’s thorn in the flesh?
And I love that I can answer her with hope -
Victory over food issues? I think it's like any other addiction or chronic problem, sometimes God chooses to remove the thorn completely and immediately, never another guilty moment, never another temptation so that we rejoice in deliverance. And other times he chooses to allow that thorn to stay so that we learn to rejoice in his sustenance. My thorn? Finally, after years, is a tiny, itty-bitty splinter that I have mostly forgotten. But for a good eight years, food/fat were my main.thing. Now, I can barely remember that woman who refused to gain weight, was afraid of food, whose every waking moment was about achieving a caloric deficit....
and this victory-over-thorn declares the glory of the lord. amen.
linking up with jennifer, emily and barbie
What a praise to God and story of hope for others. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLots of wisdom here, and wonderful hope and victory, too! I'm your neighbor at Em's this week.
ReplyDeleteFantastic message. Sometimes those thorns have to fester longer because we have more to learn...That's what I think anyway. :)
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness. Did God ever want me to come here today. I felt as thought your friend asked that question for me. I'm just pausing here and taking in this message. I know He will give me victory from this bulimia that has been around for so long. But... for now "he chooses to allow that thorn to stay so that we learn to rejoice in his sustenance."
ReplyDeleteThank you!! So glad He led me here today.
Praying for my food related issues to be splintered sized or non existent in time. :) Love you friend. Great advice.
ReplyDeleteI love that you can answer her with hope too. These words ring true for countless issues.
ReplyDeleteI am an emotional eater and feel as though sometimes, most of the time, food controls me. I am praying that God will give me the victory of this huge thorn in my life!
ReplyDeleteSuch hope you have offered here. And not just for those who have issues with food. Let's face it, we ALL have *issues* - and we all need the Lord's help. May He either remove our thorns, or give us the strength and grace to overcome them in His power.
ReplyDeleteGOD BLESS!
I read your ED story today. Holding on to hope.
ReplyDeleteBlessings.