“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4).
My girlfriend is staying with us for a little while as she is going through a challenging season in her life. What keeps her going is the memory of what God has done in her life to date.
As she and I were talking the other day, I reminded her of a season in my life when I was pregnant, homeless and alone. I gave up my apartment in Toronto with a plan to Florida to be with my then-to-be-fiancee. Our relationship fell apart and I remember feeling so helpless and hopeless.
Praise God those days are behind me! When I’m going through a rough patch, I can think back to those times and remember God’s faithfulness and protection over my life. He has brought me a mighty long way!
It can be difficult to keep moving forward. Especially if we have a long way to go or if you’re experiencing a setback in your life, or even on your health and weight loss journey.
When we face these plateaus, it’s important to remind ourselves where we used to be. Joyce Meyer always says: “I’m not where I need to be, but thank God I’m not where I used to be.”
I encourage you to take some time and reflect on where you used to be on your weight loss journey, especially if you’re frustrated with your progress. Instead of thinking about how far you still have to go, think about how far you’ve come.
Troubles and tough times won’t last always. Trust that changes are happening in your life even if it doesn’t look like it. Give God thanks for where He has brought you thus far, and look for the lesson in every circumstance.
What challenges are you facing right now in your health or your life? Turn it over to God and trust that He will bring you through.
Here are some strategies to put into place:
- Ask God what He’s teaching you in this situation instead of saying ‘why me.’
- Magnify His name more than you magnify and talk about your problems.
- Search out scriptures that will speak to your situation.
- Refuse to keep telling everyone about how bad your situation is. Share with one or two close friends only and no more.
- Believe that things will get better because that’s God’s desire for you.
- Refuse to wallow in self-pity. Get up each day, get dressed and declare that “This is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it.”
- Remember how God has provided for you in the past.
Very good and true.