My goal is to make my last meal of the day at 7:00 pm with my evening snack.
The hardest part of my day are those 3 hours between 7-10 pm before I go to bed.
What are yours?
One night a few years ago was challenging because my husband Mike offered me popcorn during the 7-10 pm slot.
Now, there is nothing wrong with popcorn. It was just the timing because 7-10 pm is my ‘rest and digest’ period.
My spirit said inwardly ‘No, not now.’
So I told him ‘No, thank you’ and followed the Spirit.
My flesh did not like that one bit! It hurt to say no.
We all have pain in these mortal bodies. Yet we can find strength from Jesus in the midst of suffering.
In reflecting on that experience now (and feeling good that I said ‘No’), I thought about how Jesus suffered on the cross for me.
Reflecting on Him gave me a reality check about what it really means to suffer.
It amazes me how our flesh complains about suffering the temporary pang of just saying ‘no’ to certain foods that we know are not good for us!
Yet our Savior endured so much more for us.
Our flesh does not care about that, however. It just wants what it wants, when it wants it!
Romans 8:7-8 tells us why:
“Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.”
Because Jesus rose from the grave on the third day. He gave us the opportunity for newness of life in Him!
We who believe in Him would have the Holy Spirit living on the inside of us. The Holy Spirit empowers us to do what our flesh cannot do.
Plus, the Lord gave us His word as our wisdom to know what to do for our good and His glory.
We have everything we need for life and godliness through the Lord’s precious promises (2 Peter 1:3).
The more we believe and implement this truth, the more resilient we become.
So the next time the flesh tries to fake you out with self-pity in the midst of suffering, give yourself a reality check.
Consider Jesus. He is the author and finisher of your faith.
He has begun a good work in you. Stay faithful to follow Him daily and press on, knowing that suffering is temporary.
Romans 8:18 says:
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
Take heart, knowing that the Spiritual maturity and resilience you gain through trusting Jesus in the midst of suffering will be eternal.
Get ready for the glory the Lord will reveal in you!
Be blessed in health, healing, and wholeness,
Kimberly Taylor
Author of the Take Back Your Temple program
P.S. Are you ready to take back what the enemy has stolen? The Community in the Take Back Your Temple program can provide the support you need!
3 John 1:2 says,
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.”
If your health habits are already supplying you with energy to serve others, fulfill your purpose, and enjoy your life then you do not need the Take Back Your Temple program.
You are already on a good road.
However, if your current habits are roadblocks to becoming all that God created you to be, then the Take Back Your Temple program can help!
Together, we can remove those roadblocks so you can fulfill your purpose, enjoy your life, and build your health as an example for your loved ones and others you influence.
Come join our Community who is taking the journey to better health step-by-step and day-by-day with God’s help. Let’s go farther – together in the Take Back Your Temple program.
It’s amazing how we need to do reality check because the enemy is trying to blind us from the truth. He will try any and all things for you to stop doing what is best for you. Ty for the reality check God bless you and Jesus is Lord amen.
Fantastic, Renee – so glad this message spoke to you 🙂
This is just gold, Kimberly! I listen and ma encouraged by your podcast and your program! Thank you for being so obedient to God’s direction! The flesh will undo us but thank God, that he is our redeemer and savior that over comes the world!
Amen, Lauren – Amen!
We have everything we need for life and godliness through the Lord’s precious promises (2 Peter 1:3). I glorify God when I believe and act on this verse. Thank you, Jesus, for putting our suffering in perspective. Thank you, Kimberly, for this article! It is very encouraging.
Amen, Gladys – I am glad this message encouraged you. We need it during those challenging times!
As we entered this new year 2021, I have been feeling the Lord calling me to focus on my health this year. He wants me to heal my body so I can be the best wife and mother. I too am a former nurse and know what I should be doing but struggle to do it! I think I just go the “easy” way and not the way that needs the Lords help! Thank you for your words! I would love more info about your support group during this journey I feel the Lord leading me to!
Hi Erryn – I pray that you prosper and be in health as your soul prospers – one day at a time and one choice at a time with God’s help. You can learn more about the Take Back Your Temple program, which includes our private, secure support community here: https://takebackyourtemple.com/program
weight loss is not an easy process but I am learning and being more aware of calling on Jesus to help and guide me at all times of my journey of weight loss. Thank you for your guidance.
Amen, Shirley! I’m praising God that you are growing closer to Jesus on this journey. You are right…it is not easy, but the character you gain and the stronger relationship you forge with God makes it all worth it. God bless you 🙂
What a reality check on this day we enter into the holiest of days. Any earthly suffering pales in comparison tho what Our Lord endured. Thank you so much for this insightful message.
TBYT has been a lifesaver for me, bringing me closer to the Lord and away from unhealthy ways.
Thank you Kimberly.
Thank you so much, Pam – all praise to God!
Hi Kimberly
Boy! did this message come at just the right time! I have been feeling sorry for myself and angry with a coughing from my alergies. It is embarrassing to have this hacking cough especially around people. Thank you for reminding me about the suffering Christ went through for me. And even though I have this cough and would like it to be gone. I can go through it with the grace of our Lord! I cough sooo much it brings tears to my eyes!
It is almost like when the bitter herbs at Passover! Maybe Yeshua is having me go through this with tearing to remember how the Israelites suffered. Thanks! again! Kimberly for the reminder that the suffering and pain we go through now is nothing compared to what Yeshua has prepared for us!
PS: I wanted to go with my friend to celebrate
Passover Fri evening but because of the coughing I feel my coughing would be an interruption. That is why I was mad and feeling sorry for myself
Oh Mary (((HUG))) – I was there last week. This pollen in Georgia has been no joke and I understand what you are going through. Praising God for the rain and I pray He will provide relief for you too. Just be assured, it will pass and our Lord is holding your hand through it. Take good care of yourself. Praying for your recovery!
Thank you Kimberly for that wonderful! revelation about the suffering the body goes through when the feeling or desire or the wasn’t to eat at least for me later in the evening. I didn’t understand what that feeling was. I appreciate your article here about the wanting to eat later in the evening. I will reach out to Jesus more for strength! to overcome!
You’ll find it, Mary! I’ve found that if I am still and consider His goodness towards me, it gives me peace. God bless you 🙂
Thank you Kimberly
You are welcome!
So encouraging! Thank you!
You are welcome, Sharon – God is good!
I am ready to follow your lead on a journey to a healthy future
Wonderful, Diana Mitchell! It is not always an easy road but it is always worth it 🙂