Coach Debbie

Who has two thumbs and combats cravings daily?  THIS GIRL.  I have daydreamed about pastries and pizza a "couple" of times in my day, how about you?  I've even, gasp, been known to employ emotional eating.  You too?  

• I deserve this treat.
• I had a hard day and earned this wine.
• I am so tired and popcorn is faster than chicken.
• I am bored so I'll eat.
• I can't go to a birthday party and not eat cake.
• I am sad and need cupcakes.
• I am so happy and want to celebrate with chips and queso.
• It won't hurt to sneak a cookie.

The justifications are endless, right?

We WANT to eat healthy but we can't seem to make it STICK.

We DON'T want to eat junk but we continue slipping.

It all goes back to Romans 7:15-20

"15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17 As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18 For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it."

So what are we supposed to do when cravings come at us?  Is it realistic to take a bubble bath when we are at our desk at work?!?  Can we honestly say broccoli will satisfy the longing?!?

The Bible actually knew we'd struggle.  I mean, Eve in the garden had food issues, so let's accept that this war will rage on.  What does God say about handling this struggle?  

I'm happy to share He actually gives us TWO options!

1.  Remove the temptation.

2.  Remover yourself from the temptation.

Let's head to 1 Corinthians 10, a New Testament chapter about an Old Testament event.  We'll skip the history lesson for now, but Israel had the good life with all their needs met yet they displeased God by setting their hearts on everything BUT Him (been there, done that).  They were overconfident, spiritually immature, and lacked self-discipline.  They were idolatrous and immoral and complaining.  

If I'm being totally honest, I can relate to Israel more than I'd like to admit.  Ouch.

We read in one paragraph that their hearts are set on evil, they ate and drank and indulged in paganism, committed sexual immorality, grumbled, tested God.....and God wiped many of them out.  Notice what's sandwiched in there?  They were obsessed with delicious food.  

Are we obsessed with delicious food?

There's nothing wrong with food or eating or enjoying meals.  But are we idolizing lattes and ice cream?

Problem, meet solution.  1 Corinthians 10 goes on to tell us to learn from their example (see verse 11).  We then read in 1 Cor 10:12-14, 

"12 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! 13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."

You are normal in facing temptation.  God provides an out!  Either remove yourself or remove the temptation!

2 Timothy 2:22 says, "Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart."    -----> FLEE!

The Lord knows we are weak and tempted by food regularly.  He is so compassionate in helping us to not cave!  How?  By crying out to Him!  In those moments of weakness or PMS or exhaustion, we can pray, "Lord, I need your help right now!"  Remove the temptation OR remove yourself from the temptation.  Remember, "God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear."  You can do hard things because of Him!

You are not destined to weakness!  Immerse yourself in His Word (even before temptation is a struggle for the day)!  He is with you and for you!