God’s hands hold your tomorrows. Stop, don’t move
too fast. Don’t dash through the needs of the moment, and regret
tomorrow. Realize the effects that your quick fixes can have on you in
the long run. Let Him lead you, He will guide you tenderly.
I’m
writing this for those I’ve been talking to lately about diet and
exercise. All the, “I cant’s,” the, “I’m too tired's.” the, “I’m pregnant's,” the, “I don’t care right now, I’ll start next month,” or any other
temptations you are under. Don’t sell out!
The
bible is full of stories that we can relate to one way or another. It’s
funny how God worked that out, isn’t it? There is a story in Genesis 25: 27-34,
of Esau and Jacob. They were brothers, Esau was the firstborn and, “became a skillful hunter, a man of the open country...” When Esau was
out hunting one day, he came back famished, and wanted some of the stew
that Jacob was cooking. Jacob replied, “First sell me your birthright.” A
birthright was an honor to the firstborn son. It included a double
portion of the family inheritance, along with one day becoming the
family leader. I couldn’t believe it when I read that Esau gave it up
for a bowl of lentil stew.
I’m
sure we all can relate to this. He acted on impulse, satisfying his
immediate desires without thinking about the long range consequences. In
verse 32 Esau says, “Look I’m about to die, what good is the birthright
to me?” He exaggerated his hunger, sound familiar? I can’t tell you how
many times I have said, and hear others say, “I’m starving!” Then we
just grab anything we can get our hands onto to satisfy our hunger. I
don’t believe even blessing our food would matter in this case, because
of course, we’re going so fast we would forget to pray over it anyway J. We are suppose to eat to nourish our bodies, not over-indulge. So many
of us give up our health, (birthright), for a quick fix (bowl of stew).
Our
health and wellbeing are important to God, and He wants us to care
about it too. He cares, and doesn’t want to hear us make excuses, or
say, “I don’t care right now, I’m starving and there’s nothing else.”
Let’s be honest, we are never really starving.
Matthew 16: 24,
“Then Jesus said to His disciples, If anyone would come after me, he
must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Let’s use this
verse to help us in our weaknesses. To deny ourselves in any areas of
pressure filled moments that can end up in regret, and a lot of hard
work later. Getting through that pressure filled moment, is often the
most difficult part of overcoming temptation.
You can do ALL THINGS, through Christ who strengthens you.
Kim