Obviously we focus on everything and anything we cannot control and berate ourselves over and over about these very things. Most people think- "big deal" as they sarcastically move past one persons struggles on to something more "worth their time", or "real" to them. Women are notorious for doing this. I have even heard of women who cannot befriend people who are smaller than they are w/o it destroying their relationship.(Just look at the tabloids!) You can mess with pretty much any subject with girls, but don't you dare go there with the "weight issues." I know, many of you are going into denial just like I did when I started reading this book. What was amazing was it wasn't the weight that I (we) was so self conscious of...if we all were honest, and if we opened our hearts door, what would we find? Each person I am sure would discover something different. We were each made unique and perfect. What I am finding out is this: we are more than just what we weigh. This truth, however, does not allow us to degrade ourselves or others verbally, mentally, nor does it mean we can over- indulge with food when we think no one is looking.
In her book, Lysa writes about how we are overweight physically, but underweight spiritually. We deceive ourselves into thinking that if we could just be skinnier that that would be a "fix all." (Personally, I have yet to meet a woman who felt good about themselves BEFORE the weight loss, and was just as happy AFTER. Not "more" happy, but just as happy. ) Could it be that we are missing something?
Obviously this book is going to be talking about food if it has the word "crave" in the title. What is so interesting is this: IT IS ALL OVER IN THE BIBLE as well. Take for example the truth she (Lysa) brings out of the Samaritan Woman's story at the well. Obviously we have heard this over and over; and for those of us who say we "know" this story...well hang on...
(Take me for example....I have heard it so many times and knew it SOOO well *sarcasm* that I was looking for the story in Matthew, when in fact it is in John- Don't judge me....I was just "helping" you guys find it! =) *Smile*
Start reading at about verse 34 of Chapter 4. "My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest' ? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest." (end at vs. 35)
Right in the middle of saving this woman, after telling her of all her sins- is it chance that all of the sudden Jesus switches subjects and starts talking about food? NO- He is telling us today- Not to be so consumed with food because we will miss the harvest and people lets OPEN OUR EYES: if we miss the harvest then we are destroying our ministry, correction: HIS MINISTRY. Obviously he knew this would be a problem for more than just a couple of people.
Our ministry here on this earth is to be about God's business.
We are called to maintain the temple (our bodies). If we are overweight, that is just a symptom of the problem. The real problem is- we are misplacing our cravings, putting them into food (or insert one of the many things) and not God. Before you begin to make resolutions you cannot keep, (me either) let me share with you a freeing truth that pulls this all together:
Our success, one day, will be measured by the peace we feel when we step on the scale and not by the number that is reflected.
Jesus speaks often of peace, but it amazes me that for now- 2011- the message is still very clear: When we focus on food we miss the harvest- winning people to the Lord. Peace is the foundation for us to begin again on. Our do overs.
We can only accomplish these things by being determined to allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us.
To "CRAVE" means to "Indulge: To take unrestrained pleasure in something." There should be a red flag over the word "UNRESTRAINED." Why? We have all the how to's in every store and check out line, now it is time to find our "want to's." We have to "want to" know God more than anything else.
The Bible speaks of a people without a vision- they perish!
Desperation Breeds Defeat. Desperation is a huge crack in our foundation. If we are in a desperate situation what do we do? We find help. Enter the King of Kings who wrote a love story for you and I and guess what? He left a written message just for you. What does it bring to you when you are determined to read it and follow his loving advice? Love, Joy, PEACE, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and SELF CONTROL.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE what Lysa is sharing all thru her book. It continually places your focus on where it should be; on Jesus. If you have a chance- get the book. Remembering that we are all Jesus girls and guys, places value on our lives that the world does not. I promise- it is uncomfortable but we can do it! We are worth it. It takes a real man or woman to come face to face and courageously fight. He (Jesus) loves us too much to leave us where we are at. Skinny or not so skinny, we all have cravings.
Is it any wonder that we have a problem with food in this country, when the original sin began with a CRAVING over something that Adam and Eve were told they could not have.... a shiny red Apple?
Romans14:9-20a- "Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Do not destory the work of God for the sake of food."
The awesome part of the story? Ironically, we find out that we were ALL made to crave.....but to crave God- nothing else. It is time to fill in the blank of what it is that is behind our heart's door and allow Jesus to come in and get to work. I know I need to stop bouncing from feeling deprived of ______ or feeling guilty for _____. I have to take responsibility for those things and pre-determine that I am going to keep my eyes open- to see where I am going (duh) and to see myself for who I am: a Jesus Girl about HIS business.....
Now it is time to work on those cravings.....
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