Ever felt like giving up on your healing journey? Two words can change everything.
Where did the 2 words come from? A frustrated math teacher saw how easily some of her students gave up when trying to solve problems.
While some students faced problems with perseverance, most just made a half-hearted attempt at solving them.
When difficulty surfaced, those students simply put the pencil down in defeat.
“I can’t do it!” became their self-fulfilling words.
One day, she was grading test papers as usual, putting a checkmark next to the correct answers and an ‘X’ by incorrect answers.
But as she started to put an ‘X’ besides a student’s incorrect answer, her hand stopped in mid-air.
Suddenly, she had a vision of a turnaround in her students.
Along with that vision, 2 encouraging words echoed in her mind.
She got a brilliant idea.
“If only the defeated students would make these 2 encouraging words their own, they could change!” She thought.
Her hand lowered to the test paper. But instead of an ‘X’ beside the correct answer, she wrote the 2 encouraging words beside it.
And that is what she did with every incorrect answer for all the test papers.
She prayed as she wrote the 2 encouraging words, asking the Lord for wisdom as to how to make these words a reality for her students.
When she returned the test papers to the class, the “I can’t” students looked puzzled at first.
But then she saw hope and a smile.
She nodded, confident that her students could grasp the possibility those 2 encouraging words presented.
It is tempting to give up when challenges come our way.
But I believe that God is calling His people to a higher standard this year.
If you take just 2 short encouraging words to heart this year and persevere until they become a reality, you can change everything.
The Encouraging Words Turnaround
What are those 2 short encouraging words?
“Not Yet.”
Whenever your mind tries to tell you, “I can’t do it!” simply add these 2 encouraging words – “Not yet.”
The “Not yet” attitude speaks of faith, hope, and patience, which are all necessary to manifest any dream.
A pastor visited our church from South Africa once and spoke this powerhouse sentence:
Your ‘Not Yet’ is bigger than your ‘Right Now’!”
So many of us get stuck at ‘Right Now.’
But to get past ‘Right Now,’ you must have the courage to reach for the ‘Not Yet.’
After all, time is going to pass anyway. You get to choose how your time will pass. Why not spend your time on Earth working on the dream the Lord has placed in your heart?
Abraham’s Example in the Bible
Abraham, is a great example of someone with a ‘Not Yet’ attitude in the Bible.
The Lord gave Him a vision of becoming the father of many nations, even though he was old, his wife was barren, and he didn’t even have the first son yet!
Romans 4:19-22 says of Him:
And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness (Romans 4:16-22).”
God considered Abraham righteous simply on the basis of his belief in God’s encouraging words to him.
Faith in His word pleases God:
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).”
Decide today that you will adopt a ‘Not Yet’ attitude.
If thoughts like, ‘this will never happen’ or ‘I can’t do it’ surface, simply say to yourself ‘Not Yet’ and Keep it Moving – K.I.M.
Take Back Your Temple program members adopt a ‘Not Yet’ attitude.
Here is a benefit of the ‘Not Yet’ attitude; just the act of engaging with a problem causes you to grow stronger.
Your brain develops new connections and you strengthen your problem-solving ability in all areas.
Growth happens in the attempt and refusing to give up.
The great thing about this journey is that you are not alone in it:
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
- God will show you how to do with Him what you cannot do alone.
- God will help you dismantle negative thinking strongholds in your mind.
- God will give you strength to keep going if you ever feel like giving up on yourself
Because of these benefits, I would not trade my weight loss journey for all the diets, exercise programs, and surgeries in the world.
Was it always easy? No.
But I can say with confidence that taking the journey is worth it.
It’s all about getting to know God through a deeper way, yes even through a weight loss journey!
Let’s make this the year that you transform “I can’t do it” into ‘Not Yet’ into ‘Yes, I can” and finally, “Yes, I did!”
Be Blessed with Health, Healing, and Wholeness,
Kimberly Taylor
Author/Christian Life Coach of the Take Back Your Temple Weight Loss Community
P.S. Do you struggle with overeating sugar? If so, you are not alone!
Overcoming sugar addiction was a key factor on my weight loss journey; I lost 85 pounds and dropped from a size 22 to an 8.
In our 14-day Sugar Detox Challenge online course (inside the Take Back Your Temple Community), you’ll get the same success strategies and support to gain peace in your eating habits and achieve lasting weight loss.
Click here to learn more about the Take Back Your Temple Christian Weight Loss Community.
Wow! This is so timely not just for myself which I need those encouraging words but I will try this with my grandson to encourage him in for negative feedback he is getting from his teacher and coach. Thank you Kimberly!!!
You are welcome, Sharon! I pray your grandson become everything the Lord created him to be!
I am am adding this to my “….but God” column. Now I have “Not yet!” And “…But God”
Amen, Vicky – love it!
Thank you for these words of wisdom!! I am new to the TBYT program and have been blessed as God’s Word is “infused” throughout the messages and lessons. It is making a difference in my life and weight loss journey. Bless you!!
Wonderful, Karen Welch – all praise to the Lord. That is the best testimony we can receive. He is good!
You’re right, Kim…these are powerful words!
Thank you for this post, it has given me great hope and encouragement to remember God’s patience and His faithfulness with me.
You are welcome, Rick. This journey is not always easy. That is why we need constant reminders that, even though the struggle is real, it is also right and that makes it worth it!
Not yet!!!!
Yes, Kennifer!
I haven’t given up, Not yet!! Struggling and weight is going on the wrong direction but I know God isn’t finished with me, not yet!!
Exactly, Juanita – God never gives up on us so we should not give up on ourselves.
Thank you for this sister. This was was so encouraging and convicting to me. I’ve gone up and down with feeling defeated this week and it’s such a battle. I’m going to try to remember these two words and grow my faith. For my family’s salvation, not yet. For reaching my weight loss goals, not yet. It’s a process that I just have to accept and go through, and stay with Jesus.
Wonderful, Siretta – I am glad this encouraged you!
Thank you I needed this. I struggle with depression. A recent blow up with my husband got me in a downward spiral and thinking about leaving him. We talked but I still struggle to see me happy here. “Not yet” gives me hope for our marriage. We have lots to learn and more hard lessons to come. Thank you Kimberly.
You are welcome, Angela – may you keep your hope in the Lord and recognize that your ‘Not Yet’ is bigger than your ”right now”!
This really spoke to my spirit. I’m coming up on retirement soon and while I thought this would be a calming down time in my life things are happening just the opposite. Those two words, “not yet”, speak to so many situations going on in my life right now. My Lord is faithful and I know He loves me and I trust him to guide my way. Thank you for always sharing what the Lord puts on your heart. I’ll share the Not Yet way of thinking with those around me.
Fantastic Dara – I know it will help to encourage and strengthen others!
Wow, this is wonderful. The NOT YET attitude. It sparked my heart. I am encouraged in a whole new way.
Thank you Kimberly and God bless!
Thank you for sharing your experiences of your weight lost through your faith in Jesus. Thanks for reminding us that this journey is a process.
Absolutely life changing! Especially in perspective of the situation or weight change! It produces hope,perservance and pleasure in keeping on! Thank you!
You are welcome, Joy – I pray those words continue to bless you on your journey!
I am scheduled for WLS in January. Was scheduled last January got scared. I’m want it but like you said the possible aftermath. I trust God not having complications, but I understand about the emotions. Having marital problems. Get stress from that. Need a concise answer from God.
Oh Kimberly this was very very good…sharing it with a friend!!! Thank you!
You are welcome, Deborah – may the Lord continue to bless you!
I have once again failed in my weight loss efforts and my struggle with over-eating. I am ashamed and embarrassed by how I look at 60 pounds overweight and my health is suffering. But how can I ever control my enormous appetite? It’s like a wild horse running out of control. I just can’t do it alone. Is any help out there?
Hi CJ – the problem is that you are looking at YOU for strength and not at Jesus. NYou are right – you can’t do it in your flesh because that is like asking the fox to guard the hen house! But you can do it when you replace your strength with His. Here is what I mean: https://takebackyourtemple.com/power-to-do-the-right-thing/
I pray the Lord will open up your Spiritual eyes to this truth.
Thank you for this example. Lord Jesus help me to turn from my wicked way, and trust you for the outcome Amen.
Hi Renee – that is a prayer the Lord will answer as you walk with Him day by day, trusting in His wisdom to make wise decisions and Him to give you strength to walk them mouth 🙂
Going for the “Not yet” attitude! With God I WILL! Thank you for this so perfectly goes with my word for this year — HOPE. /
Thank you for the anointed word. It’s amazing how the impact of that teacher’s revelation is helping people other than the students of her class.
He will send a due word in due season. That was JUST for me! Thanks for allowing the Lord to use you. ☺
Thank you for your articles. I always get encouraged by them. This word was timely for me. My Goliath is no longer my weight it is my clutter. Your faithfulness and encouraging words give me hope. Blessings
Thank you for that.
Wow! His words have truly touched my hurting heart tonight. Of course I have heard them before but I needed a refresher course. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for your encouragement, as I am just beginning the TBYT program.
I love the two words and I will apply them!
Blessings,
Teresa
A word in due season,..priceless!
Thank you for not giving up on me this year. The timely emails have kept me pressing in. Although I have only inched toward my physical goal these past twelve months,Spiritually I have grown by leaps and bounds! My prayer life has increased, my personal bible study time is a daily habit. Physically I am Not ThereYet,but I am believing this is my year to achieve a healthy weight .i am so thankful for the TBYT ministry. Your diligence encourages me to also be diligent in healthy eating selections. In christian love, Sherry
Beautiful, ecouraging testimony! ☺
God is Faithful. As I read this message, things are being confirmed from my morning prayer time with the Father. GIVING UP IS NOT AN OPTION. Thank you Kimberly for your obedience to be lead by the Holy Spirit.