For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.
1 Thessalonians 2:13 (NKJV)
Everybody loves a good transformation story.
I made it clear from the very beginning of sharing my story about finding freedom on my healthy living journey that you would not see pictures of bare midriffs on any of my online platforms. I stand by that.
Although I have helped women go from walking one mile to completing a 5K and others lose a significant amount of weight, their testimonials are always something like “I’m getting closer to God,” or “I have more peace.”
Why do they celebrate something like that? Something you can’t necessarily see in before and after pictures? Why do they celebrate spiritual growth over increased fitness level, weight loss, reduced cholesterol, and balanced blood sugars – things that also happen on their faith and fitness journeys?
They have discovered that the secret to a sustainable healthy life is finding freedom in Christ.
Our lives, including our healthy lives, must be built on a foundation of faith.
The message here is not merely faith and fitness. I do not randomly share a scripture while selling you a diet plan or program. I am here to share faith then fitness. There is no diet plan or program. The approach is faith first, fitness second. I lead with God’s Word because the Word of God transforms.
When we allow His truth about us to sink in, we live differently.
As a faith-filled woman, you want God to be first in your life. But you’ve likely been struggling so long in your body that it has consumed your thoughts and your energy. Ultimately, it puts you at odds with the One who created you. I know this because I lived it.
When you are at odds with your body and how you feel in it, you’re at odds with your Creator. You have a hard time believing His Word about you, believing things like “You are fearfully and wonderfully made.”
But the Word of God transforms.
Whatever changes you are attempting to make in your life — a habit you want to break or a goal you want to achieve — seek God first.
Allow His Word to motivate you toward that which He is calling you. It may very well be a change that needs to take place physically, but until you allow His Word to penetrate your spirit, the physical changes will not mean as much. And they won’t last.
Action Step
This is your first step. You are beginning a journey that will lead you to a transformed life — mind, body, and spirit. Spend time in God’s Word this week. Find a scripture that speaks to your situation. Make it your theme. Start working from the inside out.
