THE OLD:
I have done several different diets in the past. I lost weight on all the programs but always gained it back in a short period of time. Each time I thought this would be the one. The feeling of full was the norm and true stomach hunger was rare. I was very depressed about my weight. I was trying to believe that it was my genetic makeup to be overweight and I just needed to come to accept that. I remember crying and asking God to take the weight off. He brought Weigh Down to me at my job. After the orientation I couldn't wait to start. It felt very freeing and so loving of God to put together such a great program.
I didn't go all the way with my heart and considered it only a weight loss program full of great suggestions and not a heart change for God. I gradually gained all my weight back. I did not stay in a class and was not surrounded by people who loved this truth and knew it was about obeying and loving God with a whole heart. I was actually around people who had a veil over their eyes and thought obeying God sounded good but didn't know how. There was no shepherd who taught obedience to the One true and Sovereign God. They didn't teach what the word of God says about His life giving laws and truths. Their lives didn't bear good fruit and it was very confusing. I was searching and felt empty and wondering if there was any place out there for me. I was trying to make up my own way by putting together things I had heard and what I wanted. I knew it was coming up short and not helping or changing me, but thought this is what everyone did and God didn't care (how wrong I was).
THE NEW:
In October of 2002 there was a Weigh Down Rebuilding the Wall Tour in Seattle. It was very intense and full of truth on how we must and can go 100% with obeying God. I then joined Remnant Fellowship. The next class I took right away was Weigh Down Advanced. I began changing physically and spiritually. I finally figured out that weight loss was a blessing for obedience and we had to be obedient in all areas of our lives and that this was not just a weight loss program. I was now around others who loved God first and hearing truth. I learned to love God more than the food. I learned to obey God and not food rules. I lost 50 pounds, which is 20 more pounds than I thought I could or needed to lose. I have kept it off now for years with no fear of gaining it back as long as I stay within God's boundaries. With this truth I have learned to truly love God more than myself. I have learned that my food is to do the will of the Father and show my love by doing His will and following the example of Jesus. My heart's desire is to love God and to hunger and thirst for His word. The changes in my life are many and on going. Where there used to be depression, self-focus and pride, there is now joy, hope and humility. None of this is about me, but about glorifying God and making Him look good. Where I used to be judgmental and worried about what others thought, there is now concern about what God wants and having compassion and love for others. Where I used to feel the need to control situations and people, I now trust in God and know that all things are screened by him and take comfort in his peace if I stay in His will. I don't have better ideas and any good idea I have comes from God. Where I used to be fat, I am now thin. Shopping for clothes is now a painless and enjoyable experience verses an agonizing time of disappointment, anger and depression. God is so merciful in testing me and refining me in all these areas. The refiner's fire can get very hot, but serving God with my whole heart, soul and mind is so much better when you come out of the fire more pure. I praise Him and want to share how each of us have this opportunity to turn to Him. What an awesome God we serve who gets our attention through our weight. All praises to God!
Topics: Overweight