Hebrews 12...

I've been feeling super down about my situation lately. All this weight gain, looking like a blubbery square... it's all incredibly disheartening and frustrating. It's that disappointment in myself that grabs a hold of me as soon as I wake up, and releases it's hold on me after I fall asleep at night...

I was up with the sun this morning, getting ready for work and prepping my lunch and snackies for the day. In the still and quiet of the morning, I heard a whisper across my heart... "throw off the sin that so easily entangles... throw off the sin that so easily entangles." I looked around, because the whispers were so clear, I almost thought someone was standing next to me in the kitchen... And then I smiled. Someone WAS standing next to me in the kitchen, breathing words of wisdom across my hurting soul.

As soon as I had a free moment, I pulled up Bible Gateway and searched for "sin that so easily entangles," and Hebrews 12 popped up. Oh heavenly Father - You know what I need long before I even know.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.

WOW. What powerful words, especially in light of my current struggles. Jesus says, Hey! Get your act together! Throw off your hindrances and problems, don't cling to them and casually drop them to the ground. Thrust them off your shoulder, and move past them! Persevere, even in the toughest of times. If Jesus can overcome death and the grave, how much more am I able to accomplish with Him on my side!? I must rejoice in these trials, because they are making me stronger.

So this little bit of spiritual wisdom was a huge turning point for me today. I felt stronger in my resolve to turn my waywardness around, and I knew that God was sheltering me in the shadow of His almighty wings, from which I drew my strength and determination today. I didn't feel as down or defeated - the challenges and obstacles I've been facing seemed nothing more than anthills in the face of my Almighty God who overcame sin, death and the devil.

I don't know where you're at today in your commitment to change, or if you've even thought about it at all - either way, I thought I'd pass on this bit of heavenly advice. Take from it what you will, all I know is that it changed the course of my day, and I am thinking that it is going to become my mantra for this leg of my journey. Maybe it could be the difference in tomorrow being 'just another day' for you, versus tomorrow being your best day yet.

What I do know, is I'm doing this. I know I can do it now, and I know who's walking alongside me as I start taking baby steps forward. It's not going to be easy, but at least I'm not traveling this path alone...

As always, if you have questions or just want to talk, feel free to email me (re.ulmer@yahoo.ca). I love to chat...

Good luck!
xoxoxo