By Stephen Arterburn, Lose it for Life Day by Day
“For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore, let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
–Hebrews 4:16 (NASB)
If we could will ourselves to be thin, we would have been a size 8 a long time ago! If diets worked – meaning we could stay on them perfectly, lose weight, and keep it off- we would have retired from them by now. If just praying to eat right and have the pounds disappear was the answer, we would likely be a prayer expert. But our struggle with food is obviously bigger and more complicated than just diet, calories, and exercise. In fact, it is bigger than us.
We are faced with the question: Am I ready to make lasting changes, or do I only want to be free of the consequences of my overeating? If we are ready to move forward in recovery, then we enter into this process with our High Priest. He deeply and profoundly understands our weaknesses and pain. He strengthens us for life with mercy and grace, and without the need to overeat or control our food. By accepting that this problem is bigger than we are, that we are at the end of our power, we surrender-and God’s power is unleashed.
