Monday morning is my time to check my weight. Today, I was dreading it. I'd had a bad week. It wasn't good news.

I've struggled with my weight since I was a teenager. It's in the family. My dad had a weight problem, as did his mother. Sadly, my two adult children struggle with their weight as well.

I've worked hard over the past two years to lose weight. I lost 20 pounds in 2017, and I've lost almost 40 pounds in 2018. I'm still hoping to make that goal by year end.

I must admit that it's pretty scary to realize how quickly I can put the weight back on — how quickly I can lose control of my eating. I don't want to. I've been feeling so much better with the excess weight off and wearing clothes that I haven't been able to wear for a long time. I feel lousy and guilty when I overeat. So, why do I do it?

Romans 7:14b-15,18-19 – The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don't really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do what I hate. And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can't. I want to do what is good, but I don't. I don't want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. (NLT)

I find these words comforting. The apostle Paul obviously struggled in his life, so why should I expect that I wouldn't also struggle?

Even more comforting is the fact that Jesus died for my sins. He took my sins upon Himself on the cross so that I could be forgiven.

The struggle is real. It's hard. Eating is such a big part of our lives, especially at this time of the year with all of the Christmas festivities and entertaining taking place. Everyone loves shortbread, and I have a friend who makes the best shortbread ever! Of course, there's the Christmas dinner with all the trimmings — and some people even have to endure two of them in one day! Thankfully, I haven't had that experience.

So, what to do?

2 Corinthians 12:9 – Each time [the Lord] said, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. (NLT)

By God's grace, with the help of the Holy Spirit, there is strength to be found, even when we are feeling weak. One of the fruits of the Spirit is self-control. We will make mistakes because we are human, but we can learn from our mistakes and press on.

Today is a new day. I am back on track.

If you're struggling with something, don't give up. God is only a prayer away, and He is waiting and willing to be Your strength when you are weak.

Philippians 4:13 – For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. (NLT)

Prayer: Father God, forgive us when we are weak and do things that we don't really want to do. Give us Your strength so that we can overcome our weaknesses and do the things that we want to do. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Forward this devotional     Share on Facebook

About the author:

Dee Renaud <dee.renaud@outlook.com>
Sauble Beach, Ontario, Canada
Send your feedback to the author