Good Morning Girls!   Two weeks ago I started a small weight loss support group.  It meets Wednesdays during the day.  When I was preparing for group Wednesday morning I sat there, uncertain of what "topic" to discuss.  I have plenty of knowledge and personal experience.  Well actually the whole group has plenty of knowledge and experience.  You know, many people have the knowledge and the experience, but are lacking the results that should reflect the amount of knowledge and experience they have.  The lack of long term results is the reason so many look for a support group in the first place!

So I was sitting there, unsure of the direction to take.  I started praying  "Lord, what do you want me to do?  What can I tell these girls that they don't already know?  What can I show them?  What can I say to them?  What will help them? What do you want me to do?"

The response I felt from the Holy Spirit lit a fire in me that is still blazing hot today!  He said  "Tell them I love them.  I love them right now.  Today.  Just as they are.  I love them.  I am here for them.  To encourage them.  To cheer them on.  I don't want them to lose weight so I can love them more.   I love them regardless of their shape and size.  I encourage them to lose weight so they can love me more." 

So they can love you more?  I sat there for a moment thinking on that last statement.  What exactly does that mean?  And then I thought back to the times in my life when I was desperately trying to follow a "diet" or a "program".  During those times I would be so consumed with the rules and regulations of the plan that I spent most of my time thinking, planning, or talking about "the plan".  I was so concerned with what I could eat and what I should do that I had no room for anything or anyone else.

Sure, I would search in my Bible for verses that helped me with my will power.  I would confess them as I worked out, and as I ate the "right foods".  It is good to use scripture for all these things.  However, I was simply using scripture.  What I was missing was the personal relationship with my Creator.  The relationship with Him is mightier than mindlessly quoting a scripture like it is another motivational quote from man.

It wasn't until I threw my hands up and said  "Lord, I give up!  I have proven over and over again that I cannot do this on my own.  Please help me!  Please show me what to do."   and He did.  And guess what.  His "program" was the easiest one I have ever been on.....and it also gave me the results I had been trying to achieve for years on my own!

So Girls whatever thing you are struggling with. Whether it is weight loss, relationships, finances, anything .  instead of  asking the Lord for help in following the plan you've come up with, ask Him to show you His plan.  When you seek Him and His will for you, not only will you get the results, but you will have time to love Him more!  And that is what the Lord wants from all of us!

Colossians 3:10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like Him

Love you all.  Today.  Just as you are-
Jen