Weight Loss, God's WaySample

WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE?

Scripture Reflection

“They continued to follow their own gods according to the religious customs of the nations from which they came.” ~ 2 Kings 17:33 NLT

“Growth demands a temporary surrender of security. It may mean giving up familiar but limiting patterns, safe but unrewarding work, values no longer believed in, and relationships that have lost their meaning.” ~ John C. Maxwell

We all have things that we believe about ourselves. We may have been told them, or we may have internalized a belief as a result of something that’s happened to us in our childhood. In relation to our health, some of these beliefs might sound something like this:

• God is not concerned about the physical, it's what’s inside that counts.
• Physical exercise profits little.
• Realistically, chances are I’ll never be thin.
• I’ll put all the weight back on again if I lose it anyway.

These beliefs or positions about life can sometimes get in the way of us reaching our goals. As we unconsciously carry these beliefs with us into adulthood, they often sabotage our plans and goals. These faulty beliefs impact our emotions, our actions, and our health. The breakthrough will require a change in these thought patterns.

In the book of 2 Kings, the Israelites begin their slippery slope into idolatry. Their desire was to serve God, but their actions led to idolatry and corruption. The king of Assyria saw firsthand how harshly God dealt with idolatry so he sent for priests to teach the Israelites how to worship the Lord. The problem was that the new settlers also continued to worship their own gods according to the religious customs of the nations from which they came. The result was their ruin.

Israel was conquered because it refused to focus on the one true God. They could not turn away from their old beliefs even though it led them away from God. What beliefs are you refusing to let go of? Understand the cost of holding on—it’s not worth it.

Over the next few days, we will look at how our beliefs make us engage in unhealthy behaviors such as excuse-making, blaming, procrastinating, and emotional eating. We do them because they protect us from the pain of these deep-rooted beliefs. Noticing which ones you engage in is a big first step toward freedom. 

Today’s Health Challenge

For today’s challenge, identify a limiting belief that sabotages your weight loss efforts. 

Today’s Confession

Your promises are for eternity. Every generational curse and everything spoke against my health are broken in the name of Jesus. I declare that I am in sound health in my body, mind, and spirit. I am strong and courageous and successful in everything I do. I meditate on Your Word day and night. Him, who the Son sets free, is free indeed, and I declare my freedom in You.