I have a friend who has lost over 60 pounds in the last year. She has done it slowly, eating healthy and working out, and staying consistent. I truly admire her. As someone who has struggled with my weight my entire life, I am inspired by her commitment. She often posts pictures and comments about her journey, both the struggles and successes, on Facebook. Last week she posted something that made me really think. She said that even after losing the weight, she still picks up the clothes that are way too big now. She even worries about taking up too much room when in a group and is self conscious about her size. She also said that she still sees herself as though she is the same size before losing the weight. As I read this, I thought "what? why? you look amazing!" And then she said something that really caused me to think. She said "when your body is changing, it takes your mind a lot longer to catch up... I am ready for my mind to catch up and see the person I'm truly becoming but this too will take time."
Not only did this make sense, but it was very profound and insightful. I've been thinking about people who hear the gospel, learn about Jesus and decide to accept Him and His sacrifice for their sins. They choose to believe in Him and live their lives to serve Him. So, they go to church, read the bible and Christian books, volunteer in church and do everything expected of them. But often when faced with stress or disappointment, Christians act out in ways that are not considered "acceptable" or "Christ-like". They go back to their old habits or coping mechanisms and are judged and condemned by those around them. Have you ever wondered why? Is it possible that they are changing, but that it is taking longer for their soul (mind, will and emotions) to catch up with their spirit? Is it possible that even though we are saved and going to heaven, we may not yet see the person we are truly becoming in Christ?
When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, our spirit is immediately saved and regenerated. At that moment, we are secure in the hands of God and nothing can take us from Him. We are His child, a joint heir with Jesus, blameless and free from condemnation, complete, healed, forgiven, loved, adored and anointed. But we don't always feel like it because we still see ourselves as we were before. Our minds are so powerful that what we think we are will determine how we behave and respond. This is why the bible tells us to "renew our minds". We have to constantly remind ourselves who we are. Daily thinking on positive things and making declarations of what the bible says about us is vital to finally "seeing the person I'm truly becoming." Yes, this will take time, but if we stay consistent, we will see the changes. We will begin to see ourselves the way that God sees us and then we will begin to act like He sees us. When you see yourself the way He sees you, everything changes. You will walk in peace, receive and give grace and have joy like you've never known.
My prayer for you is that you are courageous enough to say "I am who God says I am". Then read and declare what the bible says about you out loud so that you will hear it over and over and it will get deep in your soul. I pray that your soul catches up with your spirit and that you will know who you truly are. You are more valuable than you can imagine.
Blesssings!
Not only did this make sense, but it was very profound and insightful. I've been thinking about people who hear the gospel, learn about Jesus and decide to accept Him and His sacrifice for their sins. They choose to believe in Him and live their lives to serve Him. So, they go to church, read the bible and Christian books, volunteer in church and do everything expected of them. But often when faced with stress or disappointment, Christians act out in ways that are not considered "acceptable" or "Christ-like". They go back to their old habits or coping mechanisms and are judged and condemned by those around them. Have you ever wondered why? Is it possible that they are changing, but that it is taking longer for their soul (mind, will and emotions) to catch up with their spirit? Is it possible that even though we are saved and going to heaven, we may not yet see the person we are truly becoming in Christ?
When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, our spirit is immediately saved and regenerated. At that moment, we are secure in the hands of God and nothing can take us from Him. We are His child, a joint heir with Jesus, blameless and free from condemnation, complete, healed, forgiven, loved, adored and anointed. But we don't always feel like it because we still see ourselves as we were before. Our minds are so powerful that what we think we are will determine how we behave and respond. This is why the bible tells us to "renew our minds". We have to constantly remind ourselves who we are. Daily thinking on positive things and making declarations of what the bible says about us is vital to finally "seeing the person I'm truly becoming." Yes, this will take time, but if we stay consistent, we will see the changes. We will begin to see ourselves the way that God sees us and then we will begin to act like He sees us. When you see yourself the way He sees you, everything changes. You will walk in peace, receive and give grace and have joy like you've never known.
My prayer for you is that you are courageous enough to say "I am who God says I am". Then read and declare what the bible says about you out loud so that you will hear it over and over and it will get deep in your soul. I pray that your soul catches up with your spirit and that you will know who you truly are. You are more valuable than you can imagine.
Blesssings!
