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.