OVERCOME

A word has been circulating in my mind the last few weeks.
This word first made its appearance in my mind by a group of Bible verses that Chip Ingram, author of "The Invisible War" suggested that a person should memorize if desiring to be strong during times of spiritual warfare.  Chip listed four verses, and three of the four contained this word.
Then, as I flipped the pages of Made to Crave to the very last chapter, I saw the word again in the chapter title.
Are you wondering what the word is yet?

OVERCOME

I did not find it at all ironic that this word appeared in both books that I have been studying.  As I have studied spiritual warfare and craving God, I have learned that so much of my battle with food is a spiritual one.  And truth be told, I'm so tired of falling victim to Satan.  I'm ready to be an OVERCOMER!

So, I wanted to share a little bit of my heart with you and what being an overcomer looks like to me.  The thing that surprises me most is that for the longest time I never thought I could be an overcomer in size 34 pants.  (Yes, I just shared my pants size with whoever is reading this!)  Ahhh, but you see...I believed the lie that Satan was feeding me.  He also told me I could never be an overcomer who weighs 360 pounds.  And now that I'm 25 pounds lighter, Satan probably wants me to believe that victory is impossible at 335 pounds too.

But, do you know what?  Tonight, I was an overcomer!  My husband and I decided to celebrate my 25 pound victory with a trip to the shoe store.  I need some new shoes with better support for my walking that I'm just starting to add to my routine.  And, we figured since we had traveled that far, we may as well have dinner.  But, I was an overcomer.  I looked up nutrition information before we went.  I planned out my meal.  I choose food that falls into a rather restrictive eating plan.  And when my little garden salad (with dressing on the side!) came with a big, beautiful bread stick on top of it, I politely asked the waitress to return that bread stick to the kitchen!  I couldn't believe it!  And you know what?  I still enjoyed dinner!  Thoroughly!  And I can celebrate obedience to God!!!  THAT IS OVERCOMING!

I can't help but let my mind get excited about other ways I can overcome in the future!  How about when I'm working with my preschoolers at VBS and I'm not dripping with sweat?  How about when my doctor finally says, "Congratulations!  You can come off those medications!" How about when I finally see 299 on the scale...I still have a hard time imagining not seeing a weight with a 3 in front of it!  How about when I can finally walk a 5k?  (I'll worry about running later!!!)  How about when I encourage others to let go of their food addiction?  How about when I can actually buy a pair of pants from Target or Walmart?!?  Someday I could actually wear regular sizes!   I'm actually trembling at the thought of accomplishing some of these!

But...I MUST REMEMBER...NONE OF THIS IS POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE POWER OF CHRIST!

"Who is it that overcomes the world?  Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God." 1 John 5:5

I truly look forward to overcoming these issues and to the victory that lies ahead.  But, I pray that I never lose sight of where the real victory is...being able to serve Jesus with all my heart, soul, mind and strength...and a fit, healthy body!

So, how about you?  What victories do you look forward to?  How did you overcome today?  Do you believe that you can overcome the world?  Are you clinging to Christ and His Word?  Please, join with me today!  Be an OVERCOMER!