Devotional for Dieters

[Judy Harder]

July 17


2 Timothy 2:5
And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.


Susan lay looking up at the ceiling in her hospital room. She couldn't believe everything had turned out as it did. Jill had promised the pills were safe and that she would lose weight fast. All the pills had done were to make her violently ill and land her in the hospital. Shortcuts are not the answer. God has given us willpower and a miraculous body that repairs itself if we give it the chance. Dieting doesn't require chemicals or radical exercising. Dieting requires mastery over our base desires and our selfish natures. Rely on God. We need nothing else.

Today's thought: God can do more to help me than anything else I could find!

[Judy Harder]

July 18


1 Corinthians 9:12
If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.


Betty got so annoyed with Sarah. Sarah had lost so much weight, but whenever anyone asked her how she did it, she told them she couldn't have done it without God's help. That got old really fast. Why didn't she just take credit and let it go at that? Everything had to be a big spiritual production for Sarah! It's hard for some people to actually realize the power that Chris-tians find in Jesus Christ. They can't understand our gratitude and thankfulness. We are partakers in a great and wonderful power, and it is right for us to acknowledge the source of that power. Christ saves lives, and He liberates us from things like obesity that threaten to make life less than it was meant to be.

Today's thought: I will give thanks to God for His help in my diet!

[Judy Harder]

July 19


2 Timothy 4:7
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.


Bonnie took a good look in the mirror. Amazing. She never thought she'd look this good again in her life. All the pain and torture and sacrifice was well worth it. She still couldn't believe it. She had dreamed of the day she would feel really good about her dieting, and that day had arrived. What a great feeling! If we will persevere, the day of triumph will indeed come. Like Paul, we need to fight the good fight, keep the faith, and complete the course. God promises to reward those who remain steadfast. Hold on to your dream and God will bless you richly.

Today's thought: I am closer to my goal with each passing day!

[Judy Harder]

July 20


Philippians 3:14
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.


Stan lived to please people. He served his church, his job, and his family with total devotion. He was continually asking what he could do for others. There was nothing Stan would not do in order to please someone else. Stan had never worried about his weight until one Sunday when the pastor read that his body was the Lord's temple. From that day forward, Stan worked to make it a fit and healthy temple. Not only was God pleased at Stan's desire to improve himself, but He was also pleased by the example Stan set for others.

Today's thought: I can actually glorify God just by losing weight!

[Judy Harder]

July 21


Colossians 4:2
Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.


Jane couldn't belive how much harder it was to diet now that Dottie had moved away. The strength and support of having someone to diet with had been immense. Just having someone to talk to had helped a lot. Now there was no one close by to say, 'No!' The only thing that was saving Jane was her reliance on God. When-ever she found herself tempted and wishing for Dottie's support, she closed her eyes and talked to God. His presence assured Jane, and she was able to withstand temptation. It was good to have God as close as a prayer. For that she was eternally grateful.

Today's thought: Help in time of temptation is just one prayer away!

[Judy Harder]

July 22


1 Corinthians 9:4
Have we not power to eat and to drink?


Kevin blamed the diets. Kevin blamed his friends. Kevin blamed a bad childhood, glands, communists, and a government plot. Kevin blamed everyone but Kevin. Kevin tried and Kevin failed, but he never learned to take responsibility for his obesity. We can never hope to get anywhere unless we are willing to take ownership of our own problems. God has given us freedom of choice. We have the ability to abuse that privilege if we so desire. It is our choice, however, and we control our own destiny. Dieting is nothing more than learning to tame a freedom that has degenerated into gluttony. God will help us tame that beast.

Today's thought: I'm in control of my life; my stomach isn't.

[Judy Harder]

July 23


2 Thessalonians 1:4
. . .we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure.


Ed was on a severely restricted diet by order of his doctor. There were more foods he couldn't have than there were that he could. Almost everyone felt sorry for him, because they knew how much Ed loved his food. The only person who didn't seem to feel sorry for Ed was Ed. He accepted his fate with a smile and a shrug. His ability to adjust was a testimony to his faith and character. Many people found comfort in Ed's ability to take his diet in stride. His perseverance showed many people that it could be done. Through something so simple, God managed to touch the lives of many.

Today's thought: My diet is only as big a deal as I make it!

[Judy Harder]

July 24


Psalm 32:8
I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.


Terry had been a savior. It was so nice to find someone who had gone through a long, hard diet before. God had really brought them together. At the time Lisa needed someone most, Terry had miraculously showed up. Lisa wondered whether Terry wasn't an angel in disguise. She had been such a great help. God often answers our prayers through the people He sends into our lives at key times. It is good to seek out the support of others who can relate to what we're going through. Pray that God will lead you to such people, so they might accompany you through the tough times.

Today's thought: Help me remember that I'm not alone!

[Judy Harder]

July 25


Galatians 5:16
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.


Dan made a resolution to use his breakfast and lunch times for prayer and reflection. He would eat something light, then spend the rest of the time in quiet time with God. It got him through some really tough periods of hunger and temptation. Refreshed by the time with God, Dan then no longer felt the desire to stuff himself. God strengthened him, gave him courage, and filled him with resistance enough to persevere. God will fill the emptiness we feel in our bellies. He will fill us with His own Holy Spirit and lead us away from temptation. Rely on God. His strength is offered to all who will but receive it.

Today's thought: I would rather be Spirit-filled instead of calorie-filled!

[Judy Harder]

July 26


Philippians 1:23-24
For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.


Paul questioned why God had put him on Earth in the first place. Being fat seemed like unnecessary torture. The diets were killers, and they didn't seem to do any good, anyway. What was the use of trying and failing over and over again? Better to never have been born. Despair and frustration are a part of dieting. Often it seems so hopeless. Still, God has given us life as a gift. We prepare ourselves in this life for eternal life in God's presence. Now is the time we need to learn self-discipline and control. Now is the time to strive to be everything we are meant to be. Our life in the flesh is necessary, and it is up to us to make sure we take proper care of ourselves.

Today's thought: I'll try my hardest to lose weight today, because I may not get another chance!