Sore... tired... in pain... and still fat.
Back in December, God convicted me heavily about getting back into shape. No, a nice, round shape does not count. He showed me that He was not using me because of my lack of discipline, but that He did have a desire to do so. My lack of discipline and desire for things other then Him, were getting in the way. It was not only the lack of discipline in controlling my bodily appetites, but it also carried over into a lack of discipline in all other areas of life.
I had to start somewhere. So, chest in drawers disease, spare tire, love handles, dunlops disease (my belly's dun loped over my belt), and tub o' lard, it was time to go. And I realized it did not have that much to do with being fat, but again, the discipline that God wanted to work in me. If God can discipline me in this area, I can be disciplined in all areas.
In 2 Peter 1:5 & 6 it says "add to your faith virtue, virtue knowledge, knowledge self-control... "
I had to start somewhere. So, chest in drawers disease, spare tire, love handles, dunlops disease (my belly's dun loped over my belt), and tub o' lard, it was time to go. And I realized it did not have that much to do with being fat, but again, the discipline that God wanted to work in me. If God can discipline me in this area, I can be disciplined in all areas.
In 2 Peter 1:5 & 6 it says "add to your faith virtue, virtue knowledge, knowledge self-control... "
"Self-Control" - In other words, control of your self, making your body, including its wants and desires, submit to you, instead of you to it. Why must food be a greater priority then God, or my family, or even anyone I come in contact with. For the greater good of God, my family and even the guy on the street who sees a fat guy instead of the love of Christ, self-control must be a part of my life.
So now we get back to the "Sore... tired... in pain... and still fat" part. I have lost probably 10 or 11 lbs in the last 2 months but it feels like I am getting nowhere. Not much difference in the way I look. I always feel tired and ache after working out, and man, that carrot cake is really starting to look good.
But that is only because my mind is on the losing weight, instead of on what comes about with self-control. Because, later in that same verse, where I am supposed to add all this stuff to my faith in God, it says, "For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." Then it says, "... if you do these things you will never stumble."
• Neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of Jesus.
• Will never stumble.
Awesome! What a promise! Yes, it is hard. Yes, it can be no fun. But look at the promise He has made.
No matter what discipline issue you are struggling with, look to the One who promises.
Part of what I mean by "Giving All Diligence"
P.S. I started out at 262 lbs. and am now at 251 lbs. I am shooting for at least 200 by this summer and 180 ultimately. with discipline that will follow into other areas of my life.
May God get the glory and the blessing.
