Do you ever think some people over do it when it comes to giving the devil credit for some of their struggles? I mean come on, people! The devil seems pretty busy with ISIS and world wars and kidnappings! Well, I have to admit; I’m one of those people. In our counseling ministry we talk to our clients about personal responsibility. When God begins to open our eyes to our wounds and flesh patterns; we encourage them to not get into the BED. My brilliant husband came up with the name of this coping mechanism. BED stands for blame, excuse or deny. We encourage people to instead, OWN their “stuff.” So I am aware that people like me who can have a flesh pattern of over spiritualizing things can sometimes be annoying. However, on the other hand, I have seen my share of spiritual warfare and I absolutely know it is real! (I kid you not, this sentence disappeared and I had to spend time thinking to figure out what went missing. Faulty computer skills or the enemy? Who knows?) The bible is clear in Gen. 3:1 that our enemy is more subtle than ANYONE. He’s also smart! He’s not going to make himself nor his voice obvious. John 8:44b tells us, “He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” In II Corinthians 11 Paul gives a description of the intense spiritual warfare he endured! What does this have to do with our health? EVERYTHING! The enemy came to steal, kill and destroy! (John 10:10) And he is using our culture as a mighty tool in his hand. A person can be controlled by their relationship with food, regardless if they are small or huge. But enough of the serpent taking up my time on this blog!
I believe God is calling me to get healthy and help other’s get healthy. I believe He has created us body, soul and spirit and we should be good stewards of each part. Years ago after coming out of an intense counseling session, it was late and I was tired. The two ladies that were with me and I walked into the kitchen of the ministry where we were working. One of the ladies opened a package of Oreo’s and we began to eat. I had a thought…was it me? Could it be the enemy? Could it be God? Here’s the thought. “This is how the enemy is going to try to destroy you.” That thought came from out of the blue and it was not a fleeting thought like so many others that come into my mind. Since that day, every time I try to get healthy or help anyone get healthy I struggle more than ever! Coincidence? I don’t think so.
I shared this story with one of my counselor’s a few years ago. She looked at me with confusion on her face. When I told her the thought that went through my mind, “This is how the enemy is going to try to destroy you.” Her response was, “With an oreo???” (Thus the great picture on this blog that was drawn by Matt Compton. Thank you Matt!) I had to laugh but honestly, it wasn’t a laughing matter to me. Ladies, we have to “man up.” Or I guess I should say “woman up!” Our enemy is real and he is out to destroy anyone that is a child of God. How effective can we be for the kingdom of God if we are in bondage, sick, tired and miserable? There is another voice that we need to make sure we are listening to and it is the voice of our Heavenly Father. Yes He speaks! John 10:27 tells us, ““My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” You most certainly can pray about your food and exercise choices and He will guide you. Just ask Him and listen. He may speak to your heart or lead you to His word. He may use another believer to remind you of truth or come to you in a dream. Pay attention and look for the ways He is speaking. He loves you and HE is for you! He knows exactly how to get your attention. We just have to slow down, open our eyes and ears and listen. OH HAPPY DAY! Rev. 12:9 – And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
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