Q: I wonder that God doesn't have enough to do without hearing about my
weight problem. So many crises, so much death and turmoil in the world,
so many real problems to deal with. How can I possibly ask for help for something I have done to myself?
A: First of all, I could never for a second presume to speak for God. But
I also would never set my own limits on what is important to God or
diminish the awesome gift of my life to say or think that I am not
important enough (as a child of God) to ask Him for help.
I agree with you - I caused my overweight problems. I own them, and
acknowledge I "did it to myself." It was an innocent self-abuse,
though. I couldn't stop myself from overeating and being sedentary. I
honestly didn't have the power to help myself.
Most importantly, the biggest mistake I made was to rely on something
material for my sense of self, and satisfaction. I cheated myself by
believing that food was my safety and salvation from the pain of
living. Put it in one way - I worshipped food as a graven, false image,
instead of God. I put desserts and second-helpings in the way of my connection to my Creator. Isn't that a real problem? It sure was to me.
I was near death; I was in a major crisis. I was dying. I was eating and smoking myself to death. I was committing slow suicide.
Was I not
important to God? Did He not want to save a life, and bring one lost
soul to His side?
God did save me. I did ask for help in desperation, and got infinite
grace and peace in abundance. Was I wrong to do it? I leave that to God
to decide. But now I sure want to honor the gift of life I have been
given - I do it by helping others, and continuing to look to God for
everything in my life. And God continues to help me, and others, in
amazing graceful generosity - no matter how big or small the problem -
God is here, right now and ready. Just ask.
_____
Want to Know God? Let's ask for help together at my next retreat, "The Divine Experience" at Kripalu in western Massachussets. Sign up today, spaces are limited.
Is God There?
Sunday November 15, 2009
Categories: Diet, Happiness, Health, Joy, Lifestyles, Prayers, Religion, Spiritual Weight Loss, Spirituality, Weight Loss, Wellness
Filed Under: Christ, Christianity, God, Prayer, Prayers, Religion, spirit, spiritual weight loss, spirituality, Weight, Weight Loss Diet, weightloss
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About Dr. Norris Chumley Satisfied Life
Dr. Norris J. Chumley is a doctor of theology and the arts, and has lost 160 pounds and maintained it over 16 years with God's help. The author/host of "The Joy of Weight Loss: a Spiritual Guide to Easy Fitness," and many TV programs and DVD's, including "Spiritual Guide to Weight Loss" and "30 Days to Spiritual Well Being," Dr. Norris also does private consultations, leads workshops and lectures nationally. He has been a featured Beliefnet daily columnist and contributing editor for many years.
Disclaimer and Copyright:
"No single approach to weight loss works for everyone. We urge you to consult with your physician before making any significant changes in your eating habits or physical activities to ensure that what you propose for yourself is nutritionally, mentally and physically sound, safe, and healthy. Copyright © 2008, by Magnetic Arts, LLC, all rights reserved."
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God is infinite -- both in largeness beyond our comprehension (the immensity of space) and in smallness beyond our comprehension (tiny wildflowers or the structure of atoms). So why can't one manifestation of infinity be God's capacity to love and care each one of us? Of course God is interested in our care for the amazing body he has given to us because it has so much to do with achieving the potential created in us.
I KNOW that I know that no problem is too big or too small for God to handle, or for Him to care about. So why can't I seem to accept it for myself? I have plenty of faith in Him, but none in myself. It seems I'm inadvertantly saying He made a mistake with me, but that's NOT what I mean. *I* am the one who messed up His creation, not Him. Any advice on how to see myself as He sees me?
God is awesome and all things possible with Him.
I believe he is willing to help us if we sincerely want the help. My problem is that I have asked him so many times, and then gone back to my old habits. I can't expect him to keep helping me if I don't really want to change. So at this point, I have stopped asking him.
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