I was called to start eating healthier for the Lord. I’m fearful this will sound like a silly, made-up story, but it’s not.
It’s the story of a ‘conversation’ I had with the Lord at the very beginning of my journey…which eventually led me to the place where I desire to and can help you today.
Where It Began
It was a typical day for me.
I was home taking care of my toddler. The fog of fatigue, boredom, and loneliness drove me to drown my sorrows by eating a variety of candy.
The world’s message is ‘treat me.’ And, I was doing my darndest to treat myself. I was practically living on candy at the time.
But I was struggling.
My flesh told me to ‘treat myself’ one minute, and ‘refrain from all treats’ the next.
Yes, I wanted to be home with my child, but I felt like I was just sitting there. Wasting my education and energy away.
How can singing the same songs, playing the same games, doing the same chores day after day after day be what I was supposed to be doing?
I prayed. I always prayed.
But that day I noticed I was angry.
Why was this happening over and over and over?
I looked at my candy stash again. An entire cupboard. My very own candy shop.
Where was He? I had prayed so many times asking Him to comfort me, but I felt nothing.
I only felt alone.
Not worthy of His comfort.
Not worthy to take better care of myself. Who would care?
How I Started Eating Healthier for the Lord
Then I said it. No, I shouted out loud to God, “Why don’t you stop me from eating this candy?”
It was strangely quiet.
But, then it happened.
I heard (an inaudible voice) in my mind say, “I want you to want Me.”
I was stunned.
Then I told myself that I didn’t know who it was. But I KNEW who it was!
It was the second time I heard from the Lord.
Suddenly, I felt led to have just one piece of candy. I picked out my favorite.
The thing is, I was okay – joyful even with eating one piece. (This is even most striking when you realize I wanted & usually ate equivalent to an entire bag of candy in one sitting!).
And that was it.
The Next Step
Through prayer, I found wisdom and joy while eating healthier for the Lord. It wasn’t for me anymore.
Just a tiny little bit at a time.
I prayed when I planned meals.
When I went grocery shopping. I prayed as I cooked meals, chose meals on menus in restaurants and when I served myself meals.
No, I didn’t do it correctly according to the world.
However, I started to eat healthier!
And, when I combined prayer with the simple, foundational strategies I learned as a nurse (like measuring portions), I had a tremendous amount of confidence and peace in my efforts, and results in my outcomes!
Do I still eat candy?
Yes, sometimes. But now I focus on honoring the Lord with my choices.
Lisa Kimrey is a 30-year veteran registered nurse, speaker, and author of the Bible study, The Self-care Impact: Motivation and Inspiration for Wellness. At Mylifenurse, Lisa writes about simple ways to care for yourself to stay happy, healthy, and rejuvenated while you serve and care for others. Combining her years of nursing expertise with Scripture-based encouragement, Lisa shows readers easy ways to begin and maintain their self-care journey – without feeling guilty. Be sure to grab your FREE Self-care Starter Guide!