By: Kacie Starr Long
I have struggled with overeating and running to food for comfort when I should've, instead, run to God to fulfill my emotional needs. When I felt stressed, insecure, or afraid; I developed the poor habit of running to salty chips, carbs, and sugary treats for comfort.
Food can only bring temporary comfort, while God's comfort is eternal. I am renewing my mind constantly in this area, by meditating on God's word and walking out specific tasks and assignments God has given me to break the bondages of food idolatry, gluttony, and sugar addiction in my life.
I wrote a book called, "Loving God More than Food" in this book, I share my journey of overcoming food idolatry. For a season, I experienced incredible victory from overeating, and unhealthy food choices, but instead of following God's guidance and wisdom, I made the decision to return to unhealthy eating practices, and the doors to food addiction and compulsive overeating swung open widely.
Perhaps you can relate.
God delivers you in a certain area, and after walking in victory, you begin to backslide or fail to continue doing what you used to do to maintain your victory.
Recently, God placed on my heart to lead a Loving God More than Food 21-Day Challenge. Over 100 people signed up for this challenge, where we would hear from God about what foods to surrender on the altar for 21-Days so we could hear clearly from Him. Throughout the 21-Days we have gathered for prayer, Bible study, and in-person weekly exercise classes.
My commitment to God for the 21-Days has been to refrain from eating sugar, and flour (two things that trigger my compulsivity to overeat) and to stop eating food while watching tv, or scrolling the internet. Some people on the 21-Day fast have given up fast food, sweets, or chocolate. Everyone is different. The important thing is that each person has taken the time to seek out God, and ask Him to show us any barriers that are in the way of our relationship with Him due to food, or out-of-control appetites.
One thing I have learned through these 21-Days is that God cares about our appetites! He is absolutely concerned with what we put in our bodies and how we take care of them. Gluttony, food idolatry, and being addicted to foods are not God's plans for our lives. For the past 21-Days, I told my husband and friends that I feel sober. My body has enjoyed eating whole, nutritious foods, and I do not crave sugar, salt, or carbs like I have in the past.
I'm hosting another 21-Day challenge, and if God has been speaking to you about your diet, then I invite you to join me. The challenge begins October 8th - October 28th and there is a private Facebook group that you can join to receive updates, and encouragement. Each day, I send out a personal email with biblical and practical tools to help us examine and explore the roots that lead to overeating, gluttony, food addiction, and/or feeling out of control when it comes to certain foods. This challenge is open to anyone, regardless of location, race, or gender.
For years I have cried out to God for help in the area of my eating. God has answered my prayers over and over again. I simply did not like His answer. The answer to my deliverance for overeating has been to abstain from certain foods and to renew my mind with God's word.
I am finally surrendering and with God's help, I am surrendering for good. I feel God's grace and anointing on my life to help guide others in this area of surrender, and if you desire to support, community and accountability, I invite you to join me on this 21-Day Challenge.
I know this blog post is a bit different than my normal posts, but I've experienced signifcant breakthroughs over these 21-Days, and I always told God, that once I get free, let me help others get free, and give Satan two black eyes in the process. I'm not perfect. I'm on this journey, and I'm reaching out to my blog community, to invite you to be part of the next Loving God More than Food 21-Day journey.
Bye-Bye to Unhealthy food habits & sugar addiction - Kacie Speaks
Hi, my name is Kacie Starr Long. I am an author, and speaker and I love to use my voice to point people to Jesus. When I'm not writing, I'm either working out at Orange Theory Fitness or sewing. God delivered me from food addiction and I have a sewing ministry, called the Sew Hope Community Sewing Room. I am the proud wife of Alfred T. Long, Sr and together we lead a non-profit that serves prisoners and their families. Connect with me at www.InspiredOverflow.com and via my YouTube page for Christian teachings and encouragement.