Life Plan Devotion #10 [Self-sabotage]

Webster's defines "sabotage" as "any undermining of a cause, plan, or effort." In "self-sabotage," the saboteur is one's self, whether done consciously or subconsciously. It's a fight against success, for success means no more excuses for not showing up, not engaging in LIFE. For the believer, self-sabotage guarantees that no one will expect you to finish God's plan for your life. If there are no expectations, there will be no chance for failure.
Which one(s) of the following methods of self-sabotage do you identify with?

Self-sabotage--> Cause Effect/Result

• Don't exercise--> Health issues
• Addicted to carbs--> Tired and irritable
• Rash and impulsive--> Poor, irreversible decisions
• Compare self to others--> Feel inadequate
• Aim for perfection--> Leads to failure
• Temper rages--> Guilt and shame
• Harbor sense of entitlement--> Filled with pride
• Stay up too late--> Act like a grouch the next day
• Overeat at meals--> Depressed about weight gain

Now that you've identified the devious method(s) you tend to use, to sabotage your chance at success, what is the answer? No matter what the issue/problem/challenge, the answer is always Jesus. If you desire for there to be less of you (in whatever way), then there must be more of Jesus. Stop trying to be "right," for you can either be right or be healed.

Lamentations 3:40 [NIV] "Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the LORD."

What this has to do with weight loss: Instead of realizing that despite our best intentions to change, despite our resolve to lose weight, we end up doing the thing we say we want to avoid--overeat, and being discouraged or depressed about it, let's focus on what we are actually doing and the result. Figure out why you are sabotaging your chance at weight-loss success, and take it to the Lord, for He is the only one who can help you find true, lasting success, even in the area of weight loss.

Prayer for Today: "Heavenly Father, help me to examine my ways today and test them. I return to You, Lord, and I ask for your protection, that I will not try to derail myself from accomplishing my best for You. I ask You, specifically, Father, to keep me from my most ingenious, devious method of self-sabotage, which is __________. Give me the wisdom to stop it, I pray. In the Name of Jesus. Amen."

Go forth today, and allow success to show up in your life.

Life Plan Devotion #2 [Perseverance]

To persevere means "to persist in pursuing something in spite of obstacles or opposition." Think back on your life. When did you persevere, kept at something until you accomplished it? What caused you to keep going, with long-term stamina? Why was giving up not an option?
Perhaps your mission, your goal, was God-given, even if you didn't realize it at the time. There was an inner prompting to restore a relationship, heal from abuse, forgive an offender, begin a ministry, or find a new job. Perhaps there was an encouraging inner push to raise your demanding toddler with patience, pray for an unsaved spouse, be a godly witness during a crisis, or wait patiently for your dream to materialize.
Persevering, despite trials and obstacles, is God-given and God-honoring. Pray, and decide where you believe God wants you to be ten years from now, then take the first step in that direction. Yes, the first step is the hardest, but God will help you take the second step, if you take the first one. Continue to pray with faith...expectant faith, and keep going.

Romans 5:3-4
"...We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." [NIV]

What this has to do with weight loss: Perhaps you are newly out from weight-loss surgery, are in the soft-food stage of eating, and experiencing a stall. Even though you know that stall is common, it's still frustrating. Perhaps you are looking at the many pounds you need to lose, and it seems like such a daunting, discouraging task. Remind yourself that if you know the Lord, you are not alone. He will help you to keep going, one day, one pound, at a time. Don't give up five minutes before your miracle.

Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, help me to learn to rejoice in my journey and to rejoice in every obstacle, trial and suffering, because I know that 'suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.' Today, I pray that I will become a woman/man of extreme perseverance, not letting delays and difficulties discourage me. I ask, especially, for persistence that will build my character and give me hope, when I'm in Life's waiting room. Help me to see that it's actually easier for me to persevere than to live with the regret of having given up hope and let go of a dream. Thank You for Your gift of perseverance. I pray in the Name of Jesus. Amen."

Go forth today, and persevere!

Life Plan Devotion #1 [Be Fearless]

Through research, I've found 533 documented phobias. A phobia is defined as "a persistent, irrational fear of a specific object, activity, or situation that leads to a compelling desire to avoid it." If you think about it, almost any noun (person, place, thing, or idea) can be connected to a phobia.
The majority of us do not have to deal with a phobia. However, most of us deal with fear, in some form. How would you respond if I asked you, "What are you afraid of?" That fear can be a positive impetus, causing you to seek God's strength and power, or it can be a negative impetus, keeping you from trying new things, including that which would help you fulfill God's plan for your life.
God tells us not to be afraid ("Fear not," "Do not be afraid," "Have courage," etc.) 365 times, in the Bible. That's one God-Encouraging word for every day of the year! God knows that fear is the strongest weapon of the Enemy (Satan). Determine to uncover and root out every fear in your life. God will help you be able to do that.

Joshua 1:9 [NLT]
"'This is My command--be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.'"

What this has to do with weight loss: Perhaps you have done hard work to remove fear, only to discover that you have one more--the fear that, even with weight-loss surgery, you won't be able to lose your excess weight, or you fear that the pounds will return. You may have so much weight to lose that it seems impossible, but "with God all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26).

Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I know You want me to 'be strong and courageous.' You have told me to 'not be afraid or discouraged' and that You are 'with [me] wherever [I] go.' Today, I pray that I will learn to trust You more and more. Help me to track my progress toward freedom from fear, so that I can always remember how far You've brought me. I thank You, in advance, for delivering me from all my fears. I pray in the Name of Jesus. Amen."

Go forth today, and be fearless!