Fallen Tree

Never give up!

When we try to make changes in our lifestyle to achieve better health, we often run into obstacles. Sometimes those barriers are so tough to get over or through that we stop trying.

 

Do you recognize that you need to make some healthy changes? Perhaps you eat too much fast food. Maybe you’re a couch potato and really need to start an exercise program. Is sugar the culprit–too many sodas, snacks, or desserts?

But, you’ve tried to make healthy changes in the past (a healthier diet, regular exercise, less sugar and fat) and haven’t succeeded in maintaining those changes.

Do you ever hear these voices taunting you?
  • You’re going to fail!
  • You’ve tried numerous times to lose weight and you couldn’t do it!
  • Nobody else in the family wants to eat healthy, why should you?
  • You’re weak!
  • Why don’t you just give up?

It’s tough to fight those voices that tell us to “GIVE UP!” Sometimes it’s in our own head. At other times family and friends may purposely or inadvertently sabotage our attempts at better health.

Do you remember Winston Churchill from your study of European history? He was Prime Minister of Great Britain during the Second World War. Churchill was a man of great determination and perseverance. He shared these words about being strong in times of trial.

 

Never give in. Never give in. Never, never, never, never–in nothing great or small, large or petty–never give in, except to conditions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force. Never yield to apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.”

It doesn’t seem like we’d have enemies when it comes to beginning healthier habits, but we do. Sometimes we are our own worst enemy.

I pray that you will persevere and NEVER GIVE UP on your pursuit of a healthier lifestyle.

So, what are some strategies we can utilize to help us stay on track when we’re working for better health?

  1. We have an advocate in God. He created us in love and wants us to live a healthy,  abundant live. Paul writes: Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
  2. We need to recognize that the devil doesn’t want us to be healthy. He wants to separate us from God. If he can put doubt in our minds, take away our motivation to be healthy, and make us believe that we are failures, he weakens us and makes us more vulnerable. But, again, God is our advocate against the devil. Let us not become weary of doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9
  3. Ask for help! Find a friend to exercise with. Join a health club, the YMCA, or an exercise class. Find a wellness Bible Study. Seek a support group to provide encouragement. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you where ever you go. Joshua 1:9
  4. When you are feeling the urge to give up–PRAY! God wants to help you. May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. May he give you the desires of your heart and make all your plans succeed. Psalm 20:1, 4
  5. Recognize that you will be tempted to give up. Prepare! Do you know your weaknesses? Eating out? Snacking at night? Giving in to the urge to sit instead of taking that walk? Develop some intervention strategies (call a friend, distract yourself, sing, meditate, pray, etc). No temptation has seized you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure. 1 Corinthians 10:13

As I write these words, I’m praying for you, my friend. I pray that God will encourage you and strengthen you as you strive to make healthier choices.