This week's focus in the First Place 4 Health's, Begin With Christ study was a look at Our Folly and God's Forgiveness. It certainly wasn't an easy topic to consider, and one I honestly felt disconnected from on an emotional level until now. How about you?
While I intellectually accept the fact that I sin often, and likewise need to be forgiven, I think I've subconsciously given myself the "sinless" stamp of approval when it comes to wellness. I compare myself to others and puff up my own righteousness (can you smell the pride here?). Not only do I have much to repent from in regards to stewardship of my body, but I also have much to learn. I can really see how deception and temptation lead me astray. The question is, when I am going to own this reality and respond in truth?
Looking at the folly of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3 was profoundly helpful, in this regard. I was convicted again that God is always present and sees everything we do, as the memory verse from this week illustrates.
You know my folly, O God;
my guilt is not hidden from you.
What really struck me, however, in the Genesis 3 passage, was the Lord's great compassion on His people. From the very first sin, where Adam and Eve disobeyed God as they ate the fruit, God had a plan. The animals were already established in His creation, awaiting the moment in time they would become the first sacrifice to cover sin (see Genesis 3:21).
God knew right at the moment He created the animals, that one of His choosing would soon meet death in order to provide the skin that would cover the body of a naked Adam and Eve. What an incredible foretelling of Christ! God also knew, before the immaculate conception of His very own Son, that He would sacrifice Jesus' life in order to cover the shame and sin of all His children.
God's mercy, grace, and love is encapsulate in the Scriptures from the very beginning to the very end. When will we allow it to penetrate our hearts and reveal the depth of its truth -- as much as we can humanly bare? When will we get out of the dark corner and stop spinning a web of deceit, and instead let the Truth reveal our shame and also cry out for God's extravagant grace and forgiveness to be poured forth?
These truths of our folly and God's forgiveness apply to every aspect of our lives -- mind, body, soul. Our goal should be living out these truths in our daily lives. I'm convicted. How about you?
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
Share with us, either in a comment below or a link to a post at your blog, how this week's homework was used by the Lord in your life to expose your thinking and lifestyle choices. Also take a minute to jot down your responses to the accountability questions below. Then get going on Week 6: God's Truth and Temptation's Lie.
Accountability Questions
1. How did you do in terms of your wellness goal from the last week?
2. What goal have you set for this coming week?
3. If you want to share, what is your weight loss goal / how much did you lose?
4. How can we pray for you?
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
My Personal Response
From what I shared above, I think it is pretty clear what I've learned. Now I have to set to the task of living as though God sees me, and not pretending that there are any secret places apart from the Lord.
Accountability Questions
- How did you do in terms of your wellness goal from the last week?
Terrible. I did not follow a single menu and tracked only the bare minimum. I'm realizing more and more that I am so driven by saving money when it comes to food, and that I'll eat based what is available instead of what is healthy for me. I really need to seek the Lord in this and let Him pour out His wisdom. I did significantly cut back on sugar. - What goal have you set for this coming week?
To pray daily for the Lord to show me what to eat and why I eat, and to continue cutting back on sugar. - If you want to share, what is your weight loss goal / how much did you lose?
I haven't made it to the scale yet today! - How can we pray for you?
For the Lord to deal with my pride! Yes, really!
Posts
2 Comments:
Hello again, Lisa! I did this study awhile ago, just never got around to posting it. I am trying to catch up for week 7. :)
This week really convicted me about my tendency to be such an “easy target” for the enemy of my soul. It is so easy for me to doubt God’s provision, love, and mercy sometimes, which leads me to wonder… Is this just my human nature? Is everyone so easily led into doubt? Or is that just part of my personality that the enemy knows well and capitalizes upon?
Doubting God’s love for me often leads me into living a life of apathy. I believe this directly ties into food and exercise choices I have made in the past. At times when I have felt the furthest from God’s love, I have made the worst choices about food and exercise. When (in my mind) He cares less, then I begin to care less. Again and again in my life, I feel convicted to memorize scripture! Being able to recall exactly what the Lord has spoken (rather than mistaking it as Eve does) will provide much better spiritual ammunition in the battle I wage against the enemy.
In addition, I felt convicted about what I allow my eyes to see. What they see, they are susceptible to lust after. In regards to food, this means I need to keep the tastiest (unhealthy) treats out of sight. Practically speaking, in plain sight in the kitchen, I better see a bowl of tasty, beautiful fruit instead of a candy dish! I also might avoid the chips/cookies aisle at the store altogether.
Another conviction I felt this week was regarding “the blame game”. When confronted about their sin by the Lord, Adam blames Eve and Eve blames the serpent. Neither accepts responsibility for his or her actions. I fall prey to this as well. When I gained a lot of weight during my incredibly stressful marriage, it was easy to blame that on others. In reality, it was my own choices that led me to gain weight. Yes, the stressful environment was more conducive to weight gain, but ultimately I did it to myself.
1. How did you do in terms of your wellness goal from the last week?
It’s been awhile, but I believe my goal was to pack my lunch and continue to be active every day. I’m not sure, but I think I did alright with meeting that goal. :)
2. What goal have you set for this coming week?
I believe my goal was to find some healthy alternatives to snack foods, especially something involving chocolate.
3. If you want to share, what is your weight loss goal / how much did you lose?
According to my records, I believe I lost 2 pounds that week, for a total of 15 lost since January.
4. How can we pray for you?
I always need prayer regarding trusting in God's provision and in exercising patience while waiting on His perfect timing. Man that's hard for me. :)
Again, thank you for leading me to this bible study. You have no idea the impact it is making on my life. We are on our way to a healthier life. Thank you Jesus! : )
Here is my post regarding this week's study:
http://staceykrull.blogspot.com/2009/09/pursuing-wellness-folly-forgiveness.html
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I'm so glad you decided to leave a comment. I'd love to hear your thoughts. I'd also love to follow up with you, so be sure to leave your email address or a link to your blog! If you'd like to contact me directly, just pop an email to Lisa at extragrace at gmail dot com.
Blessings, extravagantly,
Lisa