When it comes to getting healthy, many of us have been trying for decades. We tried this "lose weight fast" scheme. We tried that new exercise contraption. Many of us have failed more than we've succeeded. We have been sick and tired of being sick and tired but have never really understood how to experience lasting change.
Who else has needed a miracle?
I grew up in the Pentecostal church where we were taught to have faith. If you needed a new car and couldn't afford to buy one, you were encouraged to pray and trust God that He would provide one in His timing. Having a Heavenly Father to go to with our needs and being able to trust that He wants what is best for us is truly a privilege we enjoy as Christians.
I have witnessed a couple of miracles in my life. The most significant is being healed from pulmonary hypertension. This is considered a terminal illness. I had an echocardiogram that showed mild to moderate PH. Five years later, no mention of PH on the echocardiogram, and I haven't had any problems since. That situation was beyond my ability to do anything to change it. That was a miracle.
Fast forward about seven years...
I was ten pounds away from my highest weight, which was 378lbs. I had asthma, fatigue, mood swings, joint pain, and sinus problems, and I was an emotional mess. I was miserable. My dad died at the age of 51 from cardiovascular disease and I was scared of dying young also. The closer I get to that age, the younger it is.
I began praying, really praying, for God to help me. I had tried tons of diets but never knew which one was the right one to do since I had failed at so many already. I tried exercising but had no energy and painful joints so it was hard to stay motivated. I was in one of the most stressful times of my life and struggled with depression and anxiety. I told the Lord, "I give up. If you don't do the work, it's not going to get done." Only God could get me out of this. I needed a miracle.
I was walking through my house a few days later and thought, "Maybe if I study the benefits of the foods I should be eating, I will want to eat them."
That wasn't MY thought. That was MY miracle.
I checked out a book from the library called Superfoods: The Healthiest Foods on the Planet by Tonia Reinhard. As I read about what blueberries and chia seeds and avocados could do for me, I felt excitement rise up inside of me. The more I read, the more I began to make plans to buy those foods.
I didn't draft a big diet plan with tons of restrictions, instead, I began to incorporate healthier foods into my life. Little by little, choice by choice. This was the beginning of my holistic life and, ultimately, the ministry I will walk in until my life is finished.
The Lord absolutely works miracles, probably more than we realize. However, miracles aren't always instant fixes. Sometimes, they're knowledge on how to fix things ourselves.
If I was my client back when I was struggling, I would have told her to drink a lot more water, eat real food especially raw fruits and vegetables, reduce stress, get more sleep, and get out and do something fun that makes her sweat. Those things alone would have made a huge difference.
Now, I know.
He gave me the desire to learn, the money to go to school, and now a business and ministry to help others heal, too. With the knowledge I've gained through school and my own research, I feel more compelled than ever to make better choices.
Knowing that sugar is poison and, what I like to call "tasty inflammation", makes it harder for me to justify buying that ice cream or eating a donut. I do still eat that stuff occasionally but nothing like I used to do. Definitely not with the same frame of mind. Thank you, Jesus!
So too, faith, if it does not have works [to back it up], is by itself dead [inoperative and ineffective]. ~James 2:17
It's true. Faith without works is dead. We spend a lot of time hoping things will change without doing much to change. Change is necessary. Maybe you're worn out from the struggle. Maybe you've run out of ideas on how you should do what you need to do.
This is a great time to give up!
Give up on what you think will work when it hasn't worked in the past. Give up on trying to take shortcuts that lead you to dead ends. Ask the Lord what will work best for YOU. He knows you better than you know yourself. He can give you ideas and strategies that really work for the long haul. Ask me how I know...
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the Lord [with reverent awe and obedience]
and turn [entirely] away from evil.
It will be health to your body [your marrow, your nerves,
your sinews, your muscles—all your inner parts]
And refreshment (physical well-being) to your bones.
Proverbs 3:7-8 (AMP)
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