No Such Thing as Falling off the Wagon

No Such Thing as Falling Off the Wagon

No Such Thing as Falling Off the Wagon

A few weeks ago, I shared that we have kind of “fallen off the wagon” when it comes to not eating out. My friend Stephanie left me this comment:

We have also fallen off the eating out band wagon this holiday season. Or more accurately we’ve climbed on it and ridden it to McDonald’s, On the Border, Chinese take out, Chili’s — basically anywhere our taste buds want to go…

Her comment was written in fun, but it really made me think about it.

We use the phrase a lot in our society–falling off the wagon. Obviously, I’m guilty as well, and it’s just a phrase. But, our words are powerful, and that is something the Lord is constantly convicting me of. When I use the phrase “falling off the wagon,” I am removing myself from responsibility. Falling is something that we can’t control. When I fall down, it’s not a choice. It’s just something that happens to me, and I am a victim.

But the truth is that we don’t just “fall” into those bad choices. We make one conscious decision after another leading us down the wrong path. There is no falling off the wagon, only climbing onto a different one.

As with so many topics, God’s word has something to say about this one. Many somethings, I’m sure, but I’m just going to focus on this one. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

When we are tempted, He is faithful to provide a way of escape. There is no “falling into” bad behavior. When we choose those bad behaviors, we are not only consciously making bad choices, but we are also ignoring the alternative that the Lord is faithful to provide.

Ouch.

Some of you have been reading for a while and know some of my weight struggles. It’s one of the many things in my life that I just can’t seem to follow through to completion, even though I desperately want to honor God with my body because it is the temple of the Holy Spirit. You know that, right? You were bought at a price, and your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. (1 Cor. 6:19-20)

I know this is important. It is important that I honor God with my body. It is important that I honor Him with my actions and not turn to food for comfort instead of him. It’s important for my physical health because I am around 80 lbs overweight, which places me firmly in the medically OBESE category. I have no energy, I can’t run and play with my kids. I’m often out of breath, and it’s ridiculous for an otherwise healthy woman my age to be feeling this badly.

It’s important for my mental health. There is a ton of research out there–both scientific and testimonials that link diet and depression. I truly believe that removing sugars and processed foods from my diet could help me regain my health and life back.

For all these reasons, I need to conquer this. Even if for no other reason than to take back what the enemy has stolen from me and to say, firmly, “NO, Satan you do not have any power or authority in my life.”

And so, here we go again. I’m not Catholic, but I do fast for Lent. I have often given up things that are detrimental to my walk with God, and/or that I feel are strongholds in my life. This year, I am giving up sugar and processed foods. This will include eating out, since it’s nearly impossible to eat out without eating processed foods. My prayer is that the change will last beyond the time of Lent.

My prayer this week (the first week is always the hardest!) is that God will reveal to me His way of escape in each circumstance I face. I will be honest. Food is a major stronghold in my life. It is an addiction in ways that only a few of you will likely understand. And I know that I will need His strength. I will need Him to deliver me and fight the battle for me, just like He promised the Israelites (Exodus 14:13-14).

But I know that He is able. Even though I have failed and failed, He is still faithful and able to help me get through it this time.

Have you gotten off track on something that you have committed to doing in your life? Wherever you are, you can turn around now and start making the changes to get back on track.

Continue reading here: Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling on a Budget

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