Eat, Pete, & Repeat

 So, the word of the year thing is very trendy and I think I have only jumped on this band wagon once or twice in the past.  I’m not very good at it. Made obvious by the fact that I don’t remember any past words of the year with confidence and that I’m not even solidifying my word of the year until February…nuance.

 Anyways, I have received and committed to my word of the year- “DISCIPLINE”.

 Some of you that know me well might be a little confused by this (as was I).  I am already a pretty disciplined person. Significantly more disciplined than most, and very comfortable with that.  I have not drank a drop of alcohol in 4 years and haven’t consumed any sweets for about 3 and a half years.  I eat well.  I work out multiple times a week. We have 1 TV in the house, and I barely watch it.  I rarely lose track of time swiping on social media.  Discipline permeates pretty much every area of my life.

So when God hit me with this discipline suggestion, I was a little confused.  As I attempted to negotiate, <I mean… “seek clarification”>, I was even more surprised.  God wasn’t pushing a huge spiritual agenda.  Instead, I am being called to level up my discipline in very practical areas, such as getting up earlier, creating more margin in my life, and better dental hygiene.

But once again, the top of the list for biggest adjustments is food and money.  Food and money.  Food and money.

So, month one of the discipline initiative introduced a 30-day restaurant fast.  I am halfway through and am being forced to acknowledge the reality that food is still my biggest contender on the list of potential idols.  I have been intentional about my relationship with food for about six years and still facing the same struggle.  Even though I have accomplished so many wins along the way, it feels like the war that never ends in my life and that can be discouraging. 

I am grateful that God calls me to combat this in very practical ways such as a modified diet, regular fasting, and the current restaurant fast.  I am thankful to serve a God who sees how real our struggles and problems are.  He doesn’t just answer with some off-the-wall philosophical response.  But rather, gives very practical, small steps for me to take.

I am moved and inspired by the fact that though I may be discouraged, my God hasn’t thrown in the towel.  He is still pushing me to level up.  He endures on my behalf.  He is constantly leading and calling me to trample this idol in my life.  I am so glad that God has never said, “well at least you tried, that’s good enough.”  I am thankful that God continues to hold higher expectations for me AND continues to provide the support that I need to accomplish them.

Yes, I am tired from the same struggle on repeat.  But that sits better with me than defeat.

 

I have seen this pattern before in my life.  I try really hard, and it doesn't go the way that I think it should and so, I’m ready to quit.  But just as before, God reminds that it’s not my place to prematurely end what he started.  He finishes everything that He starts. I have seen this in my own life and the lives of others.  I’m reminded that as long as God is advocating on my behalf, I won’t lose. This truth gives me hope, not only in my relationship with food but in so many other areas where God is still working.

 What areas of your life do you find yourself facing the same battles on repeat?  How do you see God showing up in those situations and bringing you the encouragement that you need? 

Don’t bench yourself when the referee (God) says there is still time on the clock.