I have been asked how I am given the daily devotion. The day before, I "hear" a verse of scripture or a topic from the Lord--something He puts on my heart. I meditate on it, think about it, pray about it, and just let it "percolate." Sometimes, I wake up in the night and think about it some more, often receiving more direction from the Lord, in prayer. In the morning, when I awake, I am usually able to sit down at the computer and allow God's message to flow through my fingers. He is faithful. All I have to do is listen and be obedient.
Yesterday, however, no topic came. By last night, I'll admit, I was a bit nervous. I knew, though, that God would come through, for I know that He has absolutely been "all over" this daily devotion, from the very first one. At 3:00 a.m., I awoke with a start and "heard" the word "Wait." I reached for my concordance and began to look up scripture with the word "wait." While it was a precious time of reading the Word, no certain scripture jumped out at me.
I began to pray for guidance in how to develop today's devotion around the word "Wait." After praying, I just got quiet, to listen. I felt led to go to www.GodTube.com (now called Tangle), and, once there, I simply typed in the word "Wait" at the Search. There were 2 videos listed with just that word as the title. The first one, while very nice, was not the one. The second one was the one.
I believe that there is someone--actually, more than one person--who needs to hear the message in this song, "Wait." I want you to know that this song is absolutely for you, today, from Almighty God. For those of you who are ministered by this song today, I ask that you reply. All you have to type is "This was for me" and, if you're willing, give me your first name. My pledge to you is that I will pray for you today. http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=332c014fdf6576afd323
Psalm 27:14 [NLT]
"Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD."
What this has to do with weight loss: The weight-loss journey is one full of waiting. You must wait for insurance approval or the money to pay for weight-loss surgery. You must wait for a surgery date, fulfilling pre-op requirements. You may be required to lose some weight on your own, first, or go through a six-month supervised diet. Perhaps you have had weight-loss surgery, and you're now waiting for your body to heal. Perhaps you're waiting for a plateau or stall to end or waiting to reach your goal weight. So much waiting. There's nothing inactive about waiting. While you're waiting, remember to wait patiently for the Lord, for as you do, He will reward your bravery and courage.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I'll be honest...waiting can be so hard and so lonely. Help me to know that You're with me, as I'm waiting for the next part of my journey to happen. Help me to be brave and courageous. Help me to wait on You to work on my behalf. May I wait patiently for You, Lord, and all You have for me, and may I be diligent to not give up. In Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, and wait, with courage.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #25 [God's Timing]
God's timing is perfect. I know that's hard to believe, when you're in the middle of a difficult circumstance and you feel either that it should not have happened or it should change right now. "Where is God, and why isn't He doing His job?" you ask. Be reassured, God is here, and He's working on your situation. He's never early; He's never late; He's right on time...His time.
If you think about it, you can remember a time when God came through for you, seemingly at the last minute. Perhaps He acted on your behalf in a situation where you deserved a different outcome. Perhaps you were given grace to endure a most difficult situation. Perhaps you didn't get what you prayed for, only to find out later that God's "no" was definitely the best answer. And, yes, there will be situations where the understanding of the "why" and "when" will not happen until you step through Heaven's gate.
Trust in God's perfect timing, and thank Him in advance for it. That's part of the walk of faith. Remind yourself that if God brought you to it, He'll bring you through it.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 [NIV]
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven."
What this has to do with weight loss: Timing is everything, even in matters of weight loss. Sometimes insurance approval issues arise, and when they do, if you can trust that God knows if it's the right time or not, you will experience great peace, even in your disappointment. Sometimes your weight-loss results are less than or slower than expected, and when that happens, if you can live in obedience but leave the results up to God, you will experience great peace about the present and great hope about the future. Rest in God's timing, for every situation in your life.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, You have reminded me today that there is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven. I thank You that I can trust You, my Omniscient (all-knowing), Omnipotent (all-powerful) God. You are the only One who knows me best but loves me most. Thank You for Your loving watch care over me. I will trust Your timing, even when I don't understand it. I ask You to coordinate my life on Your timeline. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, in acceptance of God's perfect timing.
If you think about it, you can remember a time when God came through for you, seemingly at the last minute. Perhaps He acted on your behalf in a situation where you deserved a different outcome. Perhaps you were given grace to endure a most difficult situation. Perhaps you didn't get what you prayed for, only to find out later that God's "no" was definitely the best answer. And, yes, there will be situations where the understanding of the "why" and "when" will not happen until you step through Heaven's gate.
Trust in God's perfect timing, and thank Him in advance for it. That's part of the walk of faith. Remind yourself that if God brought you to it, He'll bring you through it.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 [NIV]
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven."
What this has to do with weight loss: Timing is everything, even in matters of weight loss. Sometimes insurance approval issues arise, and when they do, if you can trust that God knows if it's the right time or not, you will experience great peace, even in your disappointment. Sometimes your weight-loss results are less than or slower than expected, and when that happens, if you can live in obedience but leave the results up to God, you will experience great peace about the present and great hope about the future. Rest in God's timing, for every situation in your life.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, You have reminded me today that there is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven. I thank You that I can trust You, my Omniscient (all-knowing), Omnipotent (all-powerful) God. You are the only One who knows me best but loves me most. Thank You for Your loving watch care over me. I will trust Your timing, even when I don't understand it. I ask You to coordinate my life on Your timeline. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, in acceptance of God's perfect timing.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #24 [Obedience]
When my children were small, I taught them a song. I can hear them now, singing, "Obedience is the very best way to show that you believe. Doing exactly what the Lord commands, doing it happily. Action is the key; do it immediately, joy you will receive. Obedience is the very best way to show that you believe." Obedience isn't a lesson just for kids. God desires, requires obedience, and when we learn to be obedient to God's Word, we experience much joy in life. "Easy," you say? What if God asks radical obedience from you?
In the past week, I've witnessed radical obedience from friends. One, a leader in a church, confessed to the entire congregation that he and his wife had not been good stewards of their money, and now they're forced to file for bankruptcy. God had challenged them to confess and seek forgiveness (from Him and from the church). They have vowed to pay back every creditor, even though not required to do so.
Another friend has been honest about unclaimed income and has contacted the proper authorities, all without knowing what the repercussions will be. It was the right thing to do. This friend, as well as another, have also been nudged by God to forgive the unforgivable. One has been able to, and I believe the other one will get to the place of forgiving.
When has God asked for radical obedience from you? It's often attached to something we desire to hang on to, perhaps even an area where we fear lack. We may not realize that it is by letting go that we come to a place of peace and provision.
John 14:15 [NIV]
"[Jesus said,] 'If you love Me, you will obey what I command.'"
What this has to do with weight loss: We know what to do, to release weight and get healthy. We know to exercise, follow the food plan given to us by our doctor or nutritionist, drink at least 64 oz. of fluid daily, and take our prescribed vitamins and supplements. Yet, how often are we truly obedient, 100% compliant? God honors obedience. You do your part, and He will do His.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I love You, and because I love You, I desire to obey what You have commanded in Your Word. I know it's for my own good, and I know that when I am obedient, I experience great joy and peace. Help me today, Lord, to follow Your plan for me, and if You ask radical obedience from me this day, I pray that I will do what You ask of me. In Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, and be radically obedient.
In the past week, I've witnessed radical obedience from friends. One, a leader in a church, confessed to the entire congregation that he and his wife had not been good stewards of their money, and now they're forced to file for bankruptcy. God had challenged them to confess and seek forgiveness (from Him and from the church). They have vowed to pay back every creditor, even though not required to do so.
Another friend has been honest about unclaimed income and has contacted the proper authorities, all without knowing what the repercussions will be. It was the right thing to do. This friend, as well as another, have also been nudged by God to forgive the unforgivable. One has been able to, and I believe the other one will get to the place of forgiving.
When has God asked for radical obedience from you? It's often attached to something we desire to hang on to, perhaps even an area where we fear lack. We may not realize that it is by letting go that we come to a place of peace and provision.
John 14:15 [NIV]
"[Jesus said,] 'If you love Me, you will obey what I command.'"
What this has to do with weight loss: We know what to do, to release weight and get healthy. We know to exercise, follow the food plan given to us by our doctor or nutritionist, drink at least 64 oz. of fluid daily, and take our prescribed vitamins and supplements. Yet, how often are we truly obedient, 100% compliant? God honors obedience. You do your part, and He will do His.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I love You, and because I love You, I desire to obey what You have commanded in Your Word. I know it's for my own good, and I know that when I am obedient, I experience great joy and peace. Help me today, Lord, to follow Your plan for me, and if You ask radical obedience from me this day, I pray that I will do what You ask of me. In Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, and be radically obedient.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #23 [Rest]
Do you feel compelled to keep everything running smoothly and to solve everyone's problems? If so, then you are bound to overlook your own emotional, spiritual, and physical health, and you will be tempted to use unhealthy ways to escape or avoid. There must be a balance between doing and being. After all, we're human beings, not human doings.
While it may be uncomfortable, sometimes it's good to question one's own motives, to see what's behind what we're doing or not doing. The point is not to get down on oneself. The point is to gain feedback, for the purpose of making sure one's life is in balance, one's relationships are healthy, and one's needs are being met. Sometimes a most holy choice is to rest or play.
Mark 6:31-32 [NIV]
"Because so many people were coming and going that [the apostles] did not even have a chance to eat, [Jesus] said to them, 'Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.' So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place." [Specific nouns inserted in brackets by author, for clarity.]
What this has to do with weight loss: When life gets too hectic, too stressful, you may find yourself in the kitchen, graze eating. It's not because you're hungry, but it's because your body is crying out for rest or energy. While food can give a boost in blood sugar, it's temporary. Perhaps a better choice is to go for a walk or take a nap. Learn to analyze what your body, mind, or spirit needs, and fulfill those needs in helpful, appropriate ways.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, there are moments on this journey when I realize that I've merely been doing and doing, going and going, and have ignored my needs or the needs of others. At other times, I realize that I've been trying to solve everyone's problems, when that's not my job. All of that gets me to the place where I make unhealthy choices, instead of asking myself what I need to do to get my life back in balance. I need Your help with this, Lord. Help me to know when I need to rest or when I need to play, and then help me to give myself permission to do so. I pray in the Name of Jesus who said, 'Come to a quiet place and rest.' Amen."
Go forth today, rested and ready for the day.
While it may be uncomfortable, sometimes it's good to question one's own motives, to see what's behind what we're doing or not doing. The point is not to get down on oneself. The point is to gain feedback, for the purpose of making sure one's life is in balance, one's relationships are healthy, and one's needs are being met. Sometimes a most holy choice is to rest or play.
Mark 6:31-32 [NIV]
"Because so many people were coming and going that [the apostles] did not even have a chance to eat, [Jesus] said to them, 'Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.' So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place." [Specific nouns inserted in brackets by author, for clarity.]
What this has to do with weight loss: When life gets too hectic, too stressful, you may find yourself in the kitchen, graze eating. It's not because you're hungry, but it's because your body is crying out for rest or energy. While food can give a boost in blood sugar, it's temporary. Perhaps a better choice is to go for a walk or take a nap. Learn to analyze what your body, mind, or spirit needs, and fulfill those needs in helpful, appropriate ways.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, there are moments on this journey when I realize that I've merely been doing and doing, going and going, and have ignored my needs or the needs of others. At other times, I realize that I've been trying to solve everyone's problems, when that's not my job. All of that gets me to the place where I make unhealthy choices, instead of asking myself what I need to do to get my life back in balance. I need Your help with this, Lord. Help me to know when I need to rest or when I need to play, and then help me to give myself permission to do so. I pray in the Name of Jesus who said, 'Come to a quiet place and rest.' Amen."
Go forth today, rested and ready for the day.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #22 [Escape]
There is a saying, "You can run, but you can't hide." That is true, especially when it comes to trying to escape the pain of tough reality. Where do you go, what do you do, when you feel the need to escape, to avoid facing an issue in your life, or desire to find momentary relief from pressure? Be willing to face the truth, and your life just may change forever this very day, for the better.
Think of the last time you recognize that you were trying to escape or avoid facing a pressure, emotion, issue, or problem. Now, trace your footsteps. Where did you go? What did you do? Perhaps you went to the refrigerator or cupboard, the mall, the liquor store. Maybe you smoked cigarettes, popped pills, watched television, viewed pornography, or had an affair. What dangerous game did you play with your destiny, all in an attempt to escape from the pain of your past or present?
Trying to escape your emotions that well up, due to the pain of your past or present, is an exercise in futility, at best. Your emotions are God-given and are there to help you to heal. As difficult as it will be, face whatever reality is attached to your past or present. Feel the emotions, and honor them by giving them appropriate vent. If you need help from a professional, get it. Why be miserable one day longer than necessary? Why continue to avoid your pain by trying to escape it in ways that are destructive? It doesn't work, anyway. Let God help you face, deal with properly, and heal every wounded place in your heart and life.
Job 34:32 [NIV]
"Teach me what I cannot see; if I have done wrong, I will not do so again."
What this has to do with weight loss: All too often, we find ourself in the kitchen, staring into the refrigerator or cupboard, as if the contents had miraculously changed since we were there last. Are we hungry? No. If there's no true hunger, then what else is going on? That's the question to ask, in those moments. Practice investigating the real reason behind graze eating, overeating, or binge eating. Whatever comes up, deal with it in a way that doesn't involve food, because food is only fuel. It cannot heal a broken heart.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, show me what, prior to today, I have not been willing to see. Help me to uncover the pain from my past or present, and teach me how to properly deal with it. My greatest desire is to allow You to heal every wounded part of me. I know You want that, too, but You've been waiting for my permission and my cooperation. Today, Lord, I commit to partnering with You, to do the 'hard thing,' whatever that may be. Whatever wrong I've done, and that includes trying to escape or avoid, I ask You to forgive me, and I pledge not to do so again, for it does not serve You (or myself) well. Thank You for the grace and help You will give me, to help me carry out my pledge. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen."
Go forth today, determined to face life with courage.
Think of the last time you recognize that you were trying to escape or avoid facing a pressure, emotion, issue, or problem. Now, trace your footsteps. Where did you go? What did you do? Perhaps you went to the refrigerator or cupboard, the mall, the liquor store. Maybe you smoked cigarettes, popped pills, watched television, viewed pornography, or had an affair. What dangerous game did you play with your destiny, all in an attempt to escape from the pain of your past or present?
Trying to escape your emotions that well up, due to the pain of your past or present, is an exercise in futility, at best. Your emotions are God-given and are there to help you to heal. As difficult as it will be, face whatever reality is attached to your past or present. Feel the emotions, and honor them by giving them appropriate vent. If you need help from a professional, get it. Why be miserable one day longer than necessary? Why continue to avoid your pain by trying to escape it in ways that are destructive? It doesn't work, anyway. Let God help you face, deal with properly, and heal every wounded place in your heart and life.
Job 34:32 [NIV]
"Teach me what I cannot see; if I have done wrong, I will not do so again."
What this has to do with weight loss: All too often, we find ourself in the kitchen, staring into the refrigerator or cupboard, as if the contents had miraculously changed since we were there last. Are we hungry? No. If there's no true hunger, then what else is going on? That's the question to ask, in those moments. Practice investigating the real reason behind graze eating, overeating, or binge eating. Whatever comes up, deal with it in a way that doesn't involve food, because food is only fuel. It cannot heal a broken heart.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, show me what, prior to today, I have not been willing to see. Help me to uncover the pain from my past or present, and teach me how to properly deal with it. My greatest desire is to allow You to heal every wounded part of me. I know You want that, too, but You've been waiting for my permission and my cooperation. Today, Lord, I commit to partnering with You, to do the 'hard thing,' whatever that may be. Whatever wrong I've done, and that includes trying to escape or avoid, I ask You to forgive me, and I pledge not to do so again, for it does not serve You (or myself) well. Thank You for the grace and help You will give me, to help me carry out my pledge. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen."
Go forth today, determined to face life with courage.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #21 [Missing]
What would make your life complete? What's missing? Is it a job, money, health, a loved one, peace, joy, purpose? When you look at your life's puzzle, is there a major piece missing? Has that piece ever been there, or is it in pieces on the floor?
Throughout the Bible, we're told that God can make us "whole." Whether in the Hebrew or Greek, the word "whole" means "nothing missing, nothing broken." Whatever is wrong in your life, whatever is missing or broken, the answer is the Lord. I'm reminded of an old song, "Broken Pieces," which says, in part, "Have you failed, in life's battles, to accomplish your plan? Is your heart heavy laden? Do you fear the Lord's command? Do you feel that no one loves you and there's no use to try? Just bring your cares to Jesus, your soul He'll satisfy." The chorus says, "Pick up the broken pieces and bring them to the Lord. Pick up the broken pieces, trust in His Holy Word. He will put you back together and make your life complete. Just place the broken pieces at the Savior's feet."
Whether what you're missing can be replaced in this life or cannot be restored to you until you reach Heaven's shores, God can make you whole, right here, right now. Bring all of you to Jesus, and, in faith, lay it all (the pain, questions, hurts, disappointments, lack, wants, desires) at His feet. Just make sure you don't take it back up again. Instead, believe and trust God to restore you.
Matthew 9:22 [21st Century KJV]
"But Jesus turned about, and when He saw her, He said, 'Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole.' And the woman was made whole from that hour."
What this has to do with weight loss: For those of us with weight issues, much has been missing from our life: health, the ability to see food as only fuel, the energy and stamina to be an active part in the life of our family, and more. In its place is much pain, guilt, and regret. However, if we can see each day as a new chance to allow God to help us walk in faith toward wholeness, we will begin to experience the positive changes in our body, mind, and spirit.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I come to You, today, acknowledging that there are pieces to my life that are missing or broken. On my own, I'm helpless to do anything about that, but You, oh Lord, who created me whole in the first place, can put me back together. I'm bringing all the pieces of my life to You, Father, and I'm laying them at Your feet. Replace every piece, and wherever a piece cannot be replaced, for whatever reason, just replace it with Your presence, until I am whole, with nothing missing, nothing broken. I pray in faith and in the Name of Jesus, who shed His blood to heal me. Amen."
Go forth today, in health, healing, and wholeness.
Throughout the Bible, we're told that God can make us "whole." Whether in the Hebrew or Greek, the word "whole" means "nothing missing, nothing broken." Whatever is wrong in your life, whatever is missing or broken, the answer is the Lord. I'm reminded of an old song, "Broken Pieces," which says, in part, "Have you failed, in life's battles, to accomplish your plan? Is your heart heavy laden? Do you fear the Lord's command? Do you feel that no one loves you and there's no use to try? Just bring your cares to Jesus, your soul He'll satisfy." The chorus says, "Pick up the broken pieces and bring them to the Lord. Pick up the broken pieces, trust in His Holy Word. He will put you back together and make your life complete. Just place the broken pieces at the Savior's feet."
Whether what you're missing can be replaced in this life or cannot be restored to you until you reach Heaven's shores, God can make you whole, right here, right now. Bring all of you to Jesus, and, in faith, lay it all (the pain, questions, hurts, disappointments, lack, wants, desires) at His feet. Just make sure you don't take it back up again. Instead, believe and trust God to restore you.
Matthew 9:22 [21st Century KJV]
"But Jesus turned about, and when He saw her, He said, 'Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole.' And the woman was made whole from that hour."
What this has to do with weight loss: For those of us with weight issues, much has been missing from our life: health, the ability to see food as only fuel, the energy and stamina to be an active part in the life of our family, and more. In its place is much pain, guilt, and regret. However, if we can see each day as a new chance to allow God to help us walk in faith toward wholeness, we will begin to experience the positive changes in our body, mind, and spirit.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I come to You, today, acknowledging that there are pieces to my life that are missing or broken. On my own, I'm helpless to do anything about that, but You, oh Lord, who created me whole in the first place, can put me back together. I'm bringing all the pieces of my life to You, Father, and I'm laying them at Your feet. Replace every piece, and wherever a piece cannot be replaced, for whatever reason, just replace it with Your presence, until I am whole, with nothing missing, nothing broken. I pray in faith and in the Name of Jesus, who shed His blood to heal me. Amen."
Go forth today, in health, healing, and wholeness.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #20 [Take a leap]
Most of us can say that we've taken a step of faith, but how many times have you taken a leap of faith? A leap of faith is a financial, emotional, physical, or spiritual risk that, when God nudges you in that direction, you take it, letting go of what's safe, secure, and predictable, and, by taking that leap of faith, trust Him to catch you if you fall.
In the story of Jesus walking on the water, it's the wee hours of the morning, and the disciples in the boat think He's a ghost. He tells them, "It is I; be not afraid." Peter responds with, "Lord, if it is You, bid me come to You, on the water." When Jesus replies with, "Come," Peter gets out of the boat. That's a leap of faith, an emotional, physical, and spiritual risk for Peter.
Peter does fine, is walking on the water, until he sees the turbulent wind and waves and gives in to fear. Because he takes his eyes off Jesus, he begins to sink. He cries out, "Lord, save me," and "immediately Jesus stretched forth His hand, caught [Peter], and said to him, 'O you of little faith, why did you doubt?'" [Matthew 14:23-32]
A leap of faith is scary, because you have to take a giant step out of your comfort zone. I encourage you to pray about a leap of faith that the Lord would have you take. Just be prepared to be challenged. Whether it is, as examples, to give to a ministry until it "hurts," forgive the unforgivable, pursue a seemingly impossible physical goal, or share your testimony with a stranger as to what the Lord has done for you, if you follow through, you will experience a most amazing adventure and enjoy great reward.
Hebrews 11:8 [NIV]
"By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going."
What this has to do with weight loss: What seemingly impossible physical, weight-loss goal should you tackle? What would take such a leap of faith that your first step would be linked with a shake of your head and a deep breath? Even if the end result seems like foreign territory and you feel like you have no map, take the challenge and pursue your dream.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, just like You called Abraham to go by faith, call me to a place that I will later receive as my inheritance. I want it said of me that I obeyed and went, even though I didn't know where I was going. Today, I pray that I will rely on Your Word as I face decisions. I ask, specifically, that You will give me the needed wisdom to know exactly what to do and when to do it. Ignite a spirit of faith-based risk in me, and may I be Your bold and devoted disciple. Nudge me more powerfully than You ever have before! Help me to step out of the boat, to keep my eyes on You, and remind me that You will catch me if I fall. I pray in the Name of Your Son, Jesus, who bids me 'Come.' Amen."
Go forth today, in a leap of faith.
In the story of Jesus walking on the water, it's the wee hours of the morning, and the disciples in the boat think He's a ghost. He tells them, "It is I; be not afraid." Peter responds with, "Lord, if it is You, bid me come to You, on the water." When Jesus replies with, "Come," Peter gets out of the boat. That's a leap of faith, an emotional, physical, and spiritual risk for Peter.
Peter does fine, is walking on the water, until he sees the turbulent wind and waves and gives in to fear. Because he takes his eyes off Jesus, he begins to sink. He cries out, "Lord, save me," and "immediately Jesus stretched forth His hand, caught [Peter], and said to him, 'O you of little faith, why did you doubt?'" [Matthew 14:23-32]
A leap of faith is scary, because you have to take a giant step out of your comfort zone. I encourage you to pray about a leap of faith that the Lord would have you take. Just be prepared to be challenged. Whether it is, as examples, to give to a ministry until it "hurts," forgive the unforgivable, pursue a seemingly impossible physical goal, or share your testimony with a stranger as to what the Lord has done for you, if you follow through, you will experience a most amazing adventure and enjoy great reward.
Hebrews 11:8 [NIV]
"By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going."
What this has to do with weight loss: What seemingly impossible physical, weight-loss goal should you tackle? What would take such a leap of faith that your first step would be linked with a shake of your head and a deep breath? Even if the end result seems like foreign territory and you feel like you have no map, take the challenge and pursue your dream.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, just like You called Abraham to go by faith, call me to a place that I will later receive as my inheritance. I want it said of me that I obeyed and went, even though I didn't know where I was going. Today, I pray that I will rely on Your Word as I face decisions. I ask, specifically, that You will give me the needed wisdom to know exactly what to do and when to do it. Ignite a spirit of faith-based risk in me, and may I be Your bold and devoted disciple. Nudge me more powerfully than You ever have before! Help me to step out of the boat, to keep my eyes on You, and remind me that You will catch me if I fall. I pray in the Name of Your Son, Jesus, who bids me 'Come.' Amen."
Go forth today, in a leap of faith.
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