“Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospersIII John 1:2(NASB)
I’m Hungry!
At the top of my lungs I’m yelling “I’m Hungry”!-Although no one can hear it because I am not yelling audibly but in my mind.
I am tired of dieting, I’m tired of keeping track of how much I eat and how many calories I take in.I am also tired of exercising…but I will keep it up.
It is discouraging but in truth it is vitally important to be healthy, not just for myself but for you, the believer, for we represent each other in the body of Christ.
I think I should report that after 6 weeks of counting calories and exercising I had only gained 2 pounds.No, that is not a misprint; I gained 2 pounds.A loving friend was so kind to say… “Well, muscle weighs more than fat so you probably have just gained muscle.”How many of you have a friend like that!At that weigh in I certainly was disappointed but then realized that I was going about my weight loss all wrong.I was actually hurting my chances of weight reduction due to the course I was taking; and I thought I was pretty smart about the choices I had made. In truth, I had been hurting my health because I was robbing my body of …ready for this…calories.I was working against my own body. As Christian women we can also work against our spiritual body and rob it of the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and strong.
Upon looking at myself in the mirror I realized that my ‘mental’ image just did not match the one facing me.In my minds eye I saw myself differently.Not foolish enough to see myself as I was 30 years ago, I still visualized myself as being younger, slimmer and more vibrant than I actually was.Then I realized that my spiritual image was probably not what I hoped that others would see in me but instead a counterfeit; something I wore like a new coat when I’m out in public.
The truth comes out each time I stand in front of the mirror.I always said I would age gracefully because of attitude but when I look into that magnifying mirror (A real enemy to all ‘maturing’ women!) to put on my make up, I behold the real me.
Perhaps we have met, perhaps not, but I can assure you that either way, my spiritual walk is floundering.I can say that with all honesty because I know that there is tremendous room for me to grow in my relationship with God.
There is not only room for growth but room for a more healthy body – spiritually. If you read the verse at the beginning of this writing you might have noticed that John took the time to point out the importance of good health.In fact he prayed that his friends would have good health.
That struck a cord with me.I cannot begin to count the times I have prayed for loved ones who are ill or friends and associates who need healing or complete strangers who are in need of good health.How many times have I gone to the Lord over someone’s emergency care need but John didn’t wait until there was a need.
I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health… (NASB)
The NIV states it this way:Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you…
The KJV says it this way - Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. Health is an important issue for every believer.It is only common sense that our life styles and habits will affect out health.We need to eat properly, get enough rest, exercise and pray.Yes, pray.What can be healthier than having daily communication with the one who created us…the one who can make a difference in our lives each and every day? Health issues or relationship issues; financial issues or emotional issues all relate to our well being – our happiness.
Happiness or Joy?
Happiness is short lived.It usually depends on circumstances, some of which we control.Joy, on the other hand is something that we experience in our hearts and minds that comes from knowing Jesus Christ.
Strawberry shortcake makes me happy.I love good strawberry shortcake with home made whipped cream.My first memory of it was at my grandparent’s home – it was with my grandmother that I learned the art of making good rich whipped cream.If I ate too much, my happiness turned to an upset stomach, but if I had the rare opportunity of having more than one helping I would take it anyway!Today that extra helping does more than give me a belly ache – today it would stick with me…forever…on my hips!
Joy on the other hand comes from someone, not something - The joy of Jesus is richer than strawberries and cream.It has the taste of heaven.
Romans 15:13“May the God of hope fill you will all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”(NIV) That is awesome!The hope that comes from God can not be duplicated by man.God gives it through the Holy Spirit.
I don’t know anyone who would not want hope and joy yet everyday thousands of people are rejecting these gifts by rejecting Christ.
We need to be out among the lost; we need to be testimonies of strength to our families, especially the children; we need to take care of our bodies – the temple of the Holy Spirit; we need well being to be a choice in our lives…indeed it is a choice.
I will be yelling “I’m hungry” again tonight, but I have determined to trade my dessert for spiritual fruit. …the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.Gal. 5:22
(Part of staying spiritually healthy is by being physically and emotionally healthy.Do not overlook your health.Realistically – take a good look at you – not those around you.Ask if God would have you change anything to live faithfully and prosperously for Him.)
Walking in Peace / division of C.O.P.E. Women's Ministries Sue Puff, author