I love sharing some of our deep insights and conversations from our Haven program because the program is so transformative. It’s the one place where I can truly share my personal challenges and struggles. As one of our members pointed out this week, ” Its important that we bring our challenges out in the light”, doing this denies the devil a foot-hold.
Our conversation was about our motivation for getting healthy. I shared that I’m currently highly motivated to be healthier because of a photo-shoot coming up next week. I realize that my motivation was based on fear of what people will think of me if I’m not in tip- top shape as a personal trainer.
That’s when my loving, heavenly father took me by the hand and showed me some spiritual truths about why it’s important to be healthy and the only way to get and stay healthy.
1. God loves us us and wants us to be in good health -3 John 1:2
2. We are created in the image of God and reflect His image- Genesis 1:27
3. God has called us to choose life and blessings not death and curses- Deut. 30:19
4. God wants to use our good health to glorify Him and to be an example to others -1 Corinthians 6:19-20
5. Whatever we do, we are to do it to the glory of God – 1 Cor. 10:31
6. We are to start our journey with God and trust that He will help us see it through until we reach our goal- Phil. 1:6
7. I am fearfully and wonderfully made- Psalm 139:14
8. God wants to transform our lives little by little therefore good health and weight releasing is a process! 2 Corinthians 3:18
9. God wants us to partner with the Holy Spirit to live a victorious life. John 14:15-25
10. God wants me to be free and not bound by by fears and insecurities. This is possible when I walk in His spirit – 2 Cor. 3:17
Wow. All these insights from preparing for a photo shoot!
As I reflect on my challenges as well as the challenges of the members of the Haven and 21 Day Challenge programs, I see how our focus on Christ can get misplaced, often, not of any fault of our own but simply because of our childhood experiences or upbringing. Our experiences manifest differently in each of us but if we really want to be victorious in our health and in our Christian walk, let’s take heed to these pitfalls:
- Stop looking for the approval of others
- Stop worrying about what others will think or say
- Stop people-pleasing
- Stop reliving out of childhood of being abandoned, unloved, abused
- Stop living in the state of overwhelm- it leaves no time and space for God
- Stop filling up your schedule with things that God has not called you to do
- Stop being led by your appetites
- Stop blaming your parents, your spouse or your circumstances for your poor health
How do we stop ?
As we’ve all realized by now, stopping is easier said than done. So just how do we stop? Little by little, day by day, we grow more conscious of our habits to approval seek, blame, make excuses etc. The more conscious we become, the quicker we turn them over to God.
So what’s your motivation for getting shape? Don’t let it be for your next photo-shoot (like me), to win your husbands approval, to prove your parents wrong (or right), whatever your motivation is. Let your motivation start with God, stay with Him during the process and reach your goal with Him by your side.
Continue to look at the 10 points and corresponding scriptures above why you’re tempted to lose focus on your goal, when you get discouraged or when you feel like giving up.
P.S. What have you been putting off that is keeping you from reaching your health and fitness goal? If you want to learn how to break your cycle of procrastination then join us this evening for this eye-opening webinar with Christian Life Coach Ginny Edwards. Register here: Success Webinars