Expect No Less

January 13, 2012

I have to hand it to Lysa TerKeurst. She poses hard questions that make me really think. If I make it to the end of Made to Crave, I will be a new woman.

Do you routinely engage in self-sacrifice?

I sat there. Stumped.

Yes, I know. It is hard to imagine me at a loss of words. I eventually had to text my dear friend and pose the question as to how I engage in self-sacrifice. Quickly her answers flew…… And to some my alert is annoying…..

WooHoo Text Message!

You listen to others and you are there for them even when you have a zillion things to do.

WooHoo Text Message!

You go to church AND Sunday School when you could sleep in.

WooHoo Text Message!

You lead Bible studies.

WooHoo Text Message!

You are there 100% for your kids.

WooHoo Text Message!

You don’t bad mouth Mark to others.

WooHoo Text Message!

It doesn’t feel like a sacrifice to you because you are doing them according to God’s plan.

She is right. They don’t feel like sacrifices. They are things God expects me to do. Those are second nature to me.

Then it hit me! I need to apply these same principles to my eating. God expects me to go to church and Sunday school. He expects me to lead Bible classes. He expects me to give and to devote 100% of myself to my kids and husband. He expects me to honor Mark.

And He expects me to eat healthy.

Puts things in a different light. If I can do all the other with my feelings of guilt, shame, etc., I am capable of applying it to my eating.

I sat there with my journal and thought, “Why do I do all those things that God expects?”

Simple answer. I want to please God. I want to do what God calls me to do. I want it because I enjoy the security and the peace that comes along with those actions.

I give my Sundays (and any other day) to God for worship, fellowship, and study. I give to God all the frustrations that comes with parenthood and marriage….. gladly and without hesitation. So now, I give my eating and unhealthy actions to God.

Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat–I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. (Luke 9:23-25 MSG)

Embrace. Give. Love. Serve.

God bless…..

Regina