I'll Handle This

November 2, 2022

Don’t take this too personally. It’s about me, not you.

I struggle with my weight. I’m not all that heavy, but it’s a fact with me that my health is tied closely to my weight. My blood sugar level and blood pressure stay in the normal range when I weigh below a certain point. I take no medicine, and I’d like to keep it that way!

Have you noticed how many opportunities are presented to us to overeat? Restaurants seem to compete in giving large portions. Business meetings require boxes of donuts. Even Bible studies seem to require copious refreshments.

So I battle. I wish I’d fight a little harder. The weight keeps sneaking back on, time and again.

Deep down I recognize it’s a spiritual battle. God can help me fight the impulse to buy the candy bar right there at the checkout counter. I don’t really need to buy something at the convenience store when I use their rest room; after all, I just bought forty dollars worth of gas. The restaurant will charge me the same price, whether I eat all they bring me or not. I eat because I want to.

Do you have any area in your life like that? “God, I will handle this part. Please handle all the rest.”

Dependence on God is not a weakness. It’s intelligence. God deeply loves me and you, and wants the best life for us. Does it bring him glory when I fail?

I can’t help thinking about the verse, “Satan goes about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (I Peter 5:8). That would be pretty sneaky, using something like food to come between me and God.

When I get tired of trying to handle this on my own, I need to earnestly pray for God’s help. I like to joke that I’m not as dumb as I look!

“Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28