“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
What if I told you that two of many people’s major goals are completely within grasp? Do you want to get rich and lose weight? It’s so simple you’re going to look at me (if you could) and say, “Duh!”
In last week’s blog Relationship is Simple I shared that long-lasting relationships are based on transparency. The degree to which we are transparent will not only define the relationship (i.e., acquaintance, friend, inner circle friend/family, spouse) it determines the length as well.
Before you block me for sounding shallow, hear me out. These goals can have a spiritual value. While greed and vanity are offensive to Him, our God is extravagant, so He is not offended by wealth or our desire to look our best. As women who chase the heart of God, wealth is granted so we can reflect His love to a hurting world. Because our bodies are temples housing the Spirit of the Living God, maintaining a healthy weight is a form of worship.
The secret to getting rich isn’t a secret at all. The answer is common sense. Spend less money than you make, and you can become rich. It’s that simple. Dream of losing weight? It’s not a mystery. Burn more calories than you eat. Duh, right?
Why do these two simplistic, achievable goals appear on the top of many New Year’s resolutions? What do obtaining wealth, losing weight, and long-lasting relationships have in common?
All three take commitment and discipline—even that sounds like common sense! We only need to put a plan in place and walk it out step by step.
Andrew Bennett once said, “The longest journey you will ever take is the 18 inches from your head to your heart.”
There is knowledge our head recognizes as fact, but if no value is translated to our hearts, that 18-inch distance might as well be as far as the east is from the west. If hearts are not working in tandem with our heads, we won’t discover a why big enough to persuade us to stay committed.
Could one issue be that consequences don’t seem real? Certainly. We understand that problems will manifest if we’re not making healthy choices or if we continue spending more money than our paycheck allows. We might already be experiencing warning signs. Why do we remain disconnected from reality? We perpetuate the disconnect by not believing the change we desire is meant for us.
We catch glimpses of our best life but don’t feel like we deserve it. We’re trapped in the restrictions of our flesh when we should be grabbing hold of the life God made possible by death and resurrection of His one and only Son.
The fact that we were created in the image of God is reflected in the way we are still drawn to the things He originally intended for us. We had everything we needed in the Garden. We were a healthy weight, and we lived in perfect love. It makes sense that our struggle to return to the Garden is complicated by the restrictions we live with outside of the Garden.
The biggest struggle is in our mindset, that 18 inches from head to heart. God’s word gives us the ability to rewrite the lies with His truth. Do you need self-control? Write out 2 Timothy 1:7 and keep it with you, so you can fight back when attacked with lies about your inability to be committed. Need perseverance? Hold Galatians 6:9 close to your heart, because your determination will pay off. Want to be reminded that you deserve your dream, then be encouraged by John 10:10—God gives abundantly. Need someone in your corner? Be reminded that God is your strongest ally with Jeremiah 29:11, He has good plans for you.
Our Father constantly downloads creative ideas, goals, and dreams you are destined to experience. Don’t battle alone—partner with Him! Discover how He encourages our hearts with possibilities and opportunities. We just need the courage to draw from Him the discipline and commitment He has already provided for us.
You are here for a purpose. You have a legacy to leave and, while struggle is part of this life, that’s not all there is. God wants to partner with you for victory and breakthrough. That’s His heart. He demonstrates this, as He is the only one who went before you, entered into battle, was victorious, and has already paved a way to the winner’s circle.
Have the courage to agree with the only One who believed in you even before you took your first breath.
NOW LIVE LOVED and THRIVE!
Self-reflection
These questions are in no way a substitute for healthcare professionals or any level of professional counseling. I’m an advocate for taking care of oneself mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. These questions reflect my heart, NOT my profession.
This questionnaire is an opportunity to journal your thoughts and feelings. It can serve as a launching pad on which to evaluate your heart condition as you understand it. My hope is that you will take the truths you discover about yourself and hold them up to the Light to evaluate them against who God says you are.
- Is there anything you have had difficulty with that should be pretty simple to achieve/finish?
- Can you identify the stumbling block that keeps you from being able to conquer it?
- What does your head know that your heart hasn’t agreed with yet? (ie it’s not healthy, God has been drawing me, I am drawn to accomplish it)
- What does your heart need in order to catch up with your head? (ie a strong enough why, passion, courage)
- Write out what you’re having difficulty achieving. Talk with God and ask Him to show you the lie you are believing and ask Him to show you His truth. Speak to Him from your heart and then listen to His still small voice. Write down any images, thoughts or words you may be seeing/hearing. Ask Him to clarify if need be.
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Use God’s word to take control over traumas in your life. Whenever you feel terrorized by your thoughts, take them captive by replacing them with the truth of God’s promises found in His word.
Print, then cut and carry this Scripture with you and/or post it in places where you will see it often. Ground yourself in God’s truths not Satan’s attacks. Encourage your heart and mind every time you are reminded of His great love for YOU!
Here is what God’s word says to encourage you and to give you an example of His unfailing, relentless, unending love for you:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
When you read God’s Word say to yourself: God my Father has good things for me. He turns all my dreams into possibilities, He multiplies what I put my hand to, He gives me a hope and provides a future for me. He has the power to turn all my troubles into victories!
Now LIVE LOVED and THRIVE!
