Do you have any New Year’s Resolutions? Like many Americans, I want to lose weight.
I know, I know: eat less, move more. But if you struggle with extra weight, you known there’s often more to it!
For many of us, the real challenge is self-control.
In Luke 3:8, John the Baptist reminds all believers to “produce fruit consistent with repentance.” In other words, let your life’s words, actions and attitudes exemplify what we have received with faith.
When we profess faith, we are given the Holy Spirit. And with the Holy Spirit comes many gifts. (Galatians 5:22)
One of those gifts, or fruit, is self-control.
I struggled with self-control greatly in 2020. The world around me was out of control, and my dessert appetite gladly followed! When I got stressed last year, I desired sugar to make it all better, (anyone relate?) But just because the world is out of control doesn’t mean I need to be out-of-control!
Regardless of the chaos around us, we are instructed in Galatians 5:16 to “walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh.”
God doesn’t call His children to live by feelings, but by faith.
Feelings, or desires of the flesh, are often in direct opposition to the Spirit.
Bottom line: we don’t do what we truly want to do. In my case, I don’t eat as I truly want to fuel my body.
But there is hope! When I ask for and accept God’s help, I allow the Holy Spirit to guide me. (That’s part of His job!)
When I pray, asking God’s guidance, His Spirit will help me and I will find more fruit, including self-control.
My consumption won’t be emotionally driven, but physically driven. And when it’s physically driven, I will return to a healthy weight.
Maybe that New Year’s resolution to lose weight isn’t so daunting- now that I recall I can ask for the help of the Holy Spirit.
How about you? Do you need encouragement and accountability in this endeavor? Comment below or email me. I will commit to pray for you and together we will exercise more fruit of the Spirit!
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for giving me the gift of the Holy Spirit. I don’t need to navigate the challenges of this life alone. The closer I draw to You, the more fruit I will experience. I identify a deep need for more self-control. Grow my faith, help me rely on You, In Jesus’ name, Amen.