Devotional for Dieters

[Judy Harder]

October 19


Matthew 6:16
'Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.'


Everyone knew enough to stay out of Kevin's way when he was on a diet. The man became a raving lunatic. He couldn't get along with anybody. Connie felt he acted that way just to let everyone know he was on a diet. Then, when he gave up on it, nobody had the nerve to suggest he give it another try. It was his way of justifying not having to diet. Connie just wished he'd quit putting on such performances; it made everyone else miserable. Our diets need to be our business, unless we turn to others for help. We diet for the wrong reasons if all we want is sympathy or attention. God will give strength to those who are sincere, but He is unable to help those who really don't want help.

Today's thought: My diet will not become a burden to anyone else!

[Judy Harder]

October 20


1 Peter 5:10
But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.


Cliff felt content. He felt good about the diet. He knew it was time to do something, so it didn't feel like such a great struggle. He prayed for God's help, and he felt God's presence with him. Sure, there would be unpleasantness, as there was whenever a sacrifice was involved, but it would all be well worth it. The prospect of being healthy and trim was very appealing to him. Cliff had confidence that God would bless him with strength, courage, and peace. With that kind of assurance, how could he go wrong?

Today's thought: If God will give me everything I really need, how can I help but lose weight?

[Judy Harder]

October 21


Matthew 13:31-32
Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: Which indeed in the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.'


All too often, people tackle diets that are too big for them. They try to give up everything at once, hoping to lose a huge amount of weight in a short period of time. Usually, that won't work. We should learn that the greatest successes come in small steps. We need to set modest goals that we can handle, so we don't get discouraged. God blesses our small efforts, for they are usually the most sincere and realistic. Ask God's guidance, and He will grant you exactly the right amount of strength you need to triumph.

Today's thought: Giving up a little at a time will keep me from giving up altogether!

[Judy Harder]

October 22


2 Corinthians 11:29-30
Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.


If there was one thing to respect Cynthia for, it was her humility. She was very talented, but she knew well what she could do and what she couldn't. She was never shy about asking for help when she needed it, and she never tried to make people think she could do things she could not. It was nice to see someone who could admit her weaknesses without being defensive or insecure. When Cynthia had dieted, she openly admitted that she relied heavily on God for strength and encouragement. It was a real inspiration to others to find someone who gained strength from being honest about weakness.

Today's thought: It is more important to be strong of heart than strong of body!

[Judy Harder]

October 23


Psalm 118:13-14
Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the Lord helped me. The Lord is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.


Going home to Mother's was murder on the diet. Stacy dreaded it. She knew the minute she walked in, her mother would ask her why she wasn't eating right, and then, for the next week, her mother would shove fattening, although delicious, dishes in front of her face. Going home required a double measure of strength. At those times, Stacy had to pray doubly hard. Sometimes it worked, sometimes she gave in. In the end, though, Stacy was glad to have God to turn to. Once back in her own apartment, He gave her all the resolve she needed to get right back on her diet. Truly, the Lord was her strength and her salvation.

Today's thought: I need saving from that which I would devour!

[Judy Harder]

October 24


Isaiah 41:10
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.


The evening was the worst. About an hour before bedtime, Eleanor would begin to get cravings. The worst possible thing to do would be to eat right before bed. Sometimes her stomach would growl so much that she thought she would wake up the neighborhood. On those occasions, Eleanor asked God for a little quick relief and went straight to bed. Better that than to pig out and feel lousy the rest of the night and guilty all the following day! God can grant us blessed relief from the whinings of the stomach. He can take our mind off our stomachs and give us the strength to say no!

Today's thought: The waistline won't grow if I learn to say no!

[Judy Harder]

October 25


Matthew 11:29-30
'Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.'


The most impressive thing about Laura was that no one realized she was on her diet. She never complained. She never made a big deal about what she could and couldn't eat. She never whined around or moped, hoping someone would ask her what was the matter. She just quietly, patiently lost weight. The rest of the women in the office were astonished. Laura made it seem so easy. Laura just smiled at all their comments, content to know that God had rallied her spirits and helped her get by.

Today's thought: During my diet, I'll smile even when I feel like crying!

[Judy Harder]

October 26


1 Peter 4:1-2
Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.


Barney knew he could lose weight. He'd given up cigarettes, and that was the hardest thing he'd ever had to do. If he could do away with cigarettes, he was positive he could lose weight. A friend had once told him that if he was suffering, he knew he was on the right track. Nothing worth doing came easy. Barney asked God for strength as he set about losing weight. When he felt he was suffering the most, that's when he relied most heavily on God. A little suffering never hurt anyone, especially when it was done in order to attain good health.

Today's thought: I suffer now so that I can enjoy the rest of my life!

[Judy Harder]

October 27


Hebrews 12:12
Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees.


Monica hated evenings that she had to spend alone. When she was with friends, she felt so much stronger. She put forth all her energy to have a good time when she went out. On the nights she stayed home, however, she just didn't have the strength to put on a happy front. Dieting was so much more difficult without help from friends. It is good to know that God is ever with us. On those occasions when there is no one around to help us, we can turn to God for strength and endurance. He helps us pick ourselves up and con-tinue on our way. He strengthens feeble knees and lifts hands that hang down.

Today's thought: My energy comes from a source other than food!

[Judy Harder]

October 28


James 5:16
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.


The best idea the group ever had was to pray for one another. Every Monday morning, they got together for exercise and a Bible study. They talked about their diets and how things were going, and they had to announce publicly what their weight was and how much they had lost or gained. Then, they promised to pray for one another, and they swapped telephone numbers so they could give a call of encouragement through the week. It was a wonderful system, and it helped so much to know you weren't dieting alone. The power of a well-meant prayer was amazing. It made dieting much easier.

Today's thought: A prayer a day keeps the flabbies away!