We all have them. Weak places. Places inside us that make us wonder if we’ll ever get it together like the together people. Places that make us feel less than. Less than victorious. Less than a conqueror. Less than strong.
Weak places can sometimes trip us up in life. Weak places can so easily consume us, label us, and knock the life right out of us.
My weak places frustrate me- especially this time of the year. I just resolved to do better three weeks ago at the new year and already I’m slipping in a couple of places. And yet I refuse to resign that I can’t ever change.
With the power of Christ all things can be made new. All broken things are subject to restoration. But sometimes I get so tired of trying and I just feel weak. Can you relate?
What is your weak place? A money situation that seems impossible? A temper that flares? An insecurity that stings? A family dysfunction that is always brewing? A food issue that rages even though you just signed up for that new diet program?
One of my most raw weak places for years, was my inability to find peace with my eating struggles. I hated that this had to be my issue. I hated that I didn’t seem to have the self-control other women so effortlessly exhibited. I hated that I constantly bounced from feeling deprived to feeling guilty with my food choices.
And I don’t flippantly use the word hate.
It’s reserved for the most brutal of struggles – which this most certainly was.
I want to share the three best things you can remember if your weak place is a food struggle.
1. The scale can measure your physical weight but never your worth as a woman. Do you know that? I mean do you know it the second you step on that scale and start calling yourself names you’d never let other people call you?
Here’s a little activity I want you to do this week. Go get some sticky notes. Write these words on them: beautiful, courageous, able, called, victorious.
Now, put these notes over the numbers on your scale and for the next five days, receive only the truth when you step on that scale.
2. You are more than a sum total of your tastebuds. Remind yourself when you think you want that unhealthy food option that only your tastebuds want that… your heart doesn’t want that candy bar. Your arms don’t want those french fries. Your brain doesn’t want those chips. Your hiney doesn’t want that cheesecake.
Only your tastebuds want that… so let your arms, brain, heart and hiney boss your tastebuds around. Let majority rule!
3. Nothing tastes as good as peace feels. Sweet sister, God made you to walk in His peace. You were made to consume food but food was never supposed to consume you. Of all the things Jesus has asked the Holy Spirit to remind us, peace was first on His list!
“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid,” (John 14: 26-27).
Ask yourself, “Is this food option going to add to my peace or take away from it? Because by golly, nothing tastes as good as peace feels!”
I pray these three things breathe strength into a very raw, hard, and sometimes seemingly impossible struggle. Trust me sister, victory is possible.
Even the smallest drop of God’s strength is more than enough to cover our frailties, our shortcomings, the places where we deem ourselves weak.
So instead of wallowing in my weak place, I will let the Spirit reveal the one positive step I can take today. I will wash away the condemnation with the warmth of His grace. I will receive His power. For when I walk in His power, I can rename my weakness, my strong place.
Leave a Comment
Charina says
Blessings to you Lysa.
sylvia says
Lysa,
Today, as I was looking for words of encouragement in so many facets of my life, I came across your page here. It just struck me how true it is about the scale and why I avoid it at all costs.
I could also see that when my daughter weighs herself, she surely is mentally criticizing herself and self-worth as relates to the numbers she’s seeing and the poor and possibly dangerous habits she may have as revolves around her earthly God-given Holy Spirit temple.
She, and I as well, have been looking through earthly eyes and earthly judgments. I believe we need to redirect our minds to see ourselves as God sees us, (which is not as easily believed) and not as the enemy would have us believe.
We are perfectly made in His image and all the strength we need to overcome any and all circumstances come from setting our eyes on Him.
I’ve written what you wrote here on a notepad that belongs to my daughter; and I am going to leave it for her, I pray, to read and take to heart so that she may be transformed in mind, body, and spirit so that she and I may find peace and possibly even joy in all our inner and outer beauty that God had gifted to us.
God bless you,
Sylvia
rachel says
” The scale can measure your physical weight but never your worth as a woman” – striking and powerful words that I will remember forever. Thank you for this entire post, it was excellent
Dawn says
Lysa,
This was a brilliant, beautiful post that spoke straight to my heart today…I feel like I’m drowning in weakness lately–food, finances, family, temper…Thank you for lifting my spirit and giving me a new perspective today! My husband leaves for one last week of training in New York, then will be off to MA for his new job while my son and I stay behind in PA to sell our house. The stress crushed me with a seizure Saturday night and now I’m terrified to be left alone with him so far away.
I know God has me…words, like yours, of His peace sustain me and comfort me. I know He’ll see us through this. Thank you so much!
kendal says
food issues. during the tempting times i remind myself that the feeling i have at that moment wil. not. last. and i cling to psalm 139:14.
Natasha says
Thank you! I am reading your “Made to Crave” devotional right now and with this message this morning too, I am so hopeful!!! Last night I needed encouragement, so I went to your devotional and read another one! Thank you, Lyssa!
Brittnie (A Joy Renewed) says
This is lovely. I can relate a lot to this post in regards to food issues – although mine stem from the opposite end of the spectrum – obsessing about food and denying my body of nourishment. I struggled with anorexia for a few years and praise GOD that I am now in a new place of recovery. Your words in this post are so wise.
I love how you said “God’s strength is more than enough to cover our frailties, our shortcomings, the places where we deem ourselves weak.” And also your quote “I will receive His power. For when I walk in His power, I can rename my weakness, my strong place.” AMEN sister! 🙂 Thank you for sharing your heart.
Brittnie (A Joy Renewed) says
This is lovely. I can relate a lot to this post in regards to food issues – although mine stem from the opposite end of the spectrum – obsessing about food and denying my body of nourishment. I struggled with anorexia for a few years and praise GOD that I am now in a new place of recovery. Your words in this post are so wise.
I love how you said “God’s strength is more than enough to cover our frailties, our shortcomings, the places where we deem ourselves weak.” And also your quote “I will receive His power. For when I walk in His power, I can rename my weakness, my strong place.” AMEN sister! 🙂 Thank you for sharing your heart.
wanda says
Thank you Lysa! You are a great encourager!
Claiming victory over my weak spots today!
Leslie says
Thanks, Lysa! Finished your book a couple of weeks ago and have been better equipped than ever to face my weak areas! Seriously! (This from a woman who has tried everything – often with success – only to slip back into failure because of…well, lack of lasting change, but, more importantly, a failure to properly frame the battle and the enemy…and my strong Defender and Helper!) So, again, thank you!
Kelli says
Today, I begin my lifestyle change with a new weight loss program called Weigh to Wellness. I, too, have struggled for so many years with my weight. Eating with my emotions. Thank you for your uplifting words and encouragement. I love your blog. Maybe there are many others out there like us who could support each other during this journey?!
brenda says
unfortunately, we learn the best life lessons in our weaknesses AND that He is the one in charge.
shelley says
Thank you for your post today…. I needed to hear your voice. I needed to hear you tell me not to wallow in my weak place today. Thank you more than you will ever know.
Anne says
Lysa–
Feeling sluggish this morning, I came to (in)courage, hoping for just that . . . . a little encouragement for the day. Thank you for the reminder that it’s okay to be weak.
My work computer is now sporting a post-it note reminding me that I am indeed able for the day’s tasks.
Blessings to you!
Anne
shadowwonder
Jess says
You can never know how God has used your words to speak to me today. Thank you!
Amy McCollister says
I’m reading your 60 day devotional based off of “Made to Crave” it has been slowly but surely helping to shape my choices in food and every other area I struggle with in life. I have 2 issues that I tend to struggle with, like yours, food, but I also struggle with deep embedded insecurity. Both of these I’m making strides to overcome…okay so maybe they’re more like baby steps, but I am coming out of them none the less and resting more in who He made me to be. I am planning on reading the actual book in the next couple months as I work to change my eating habits.
Beth Williams says
Lysa,
You hit the nail on the head for me with …”Weak places. Places inside us that make us wonder if we’ll ever get it together like the together people. Places that make us feel less than. Less than victorious. Less than a conqueror. Less than strong.” My weak spot is my temper/ mood swings.
My job has totally changed & I no longer do much with my degree. That frustrates me to no end. Don’t get me wrong–happy to have a job, but sometimes so frustrated that I show it in unchristian ways.
How very true that the power of Christ & Faith ALL things can be made new in HIM! Those words “Beautiful, Courageous, Able, Called & Victorious” just struck a chord with me. Yes–I am beautiful, able, victorious–no matter what happens in life!
Thank you for the lovely reminder. Those words are going up in my house today!
Peggy says
Thank you for this encouragement. One of my weaknesses is emtional eating. When I am upset I eat and then regret it and hate that I am weak. I have been struggling with a weight issue for a number of years now. When I was younger I could eat whatever I wanted and never gain weight, I was even called skinny. Although I do exercise I still can’t seem to lose the weight. I allow my emotions to take over and eat. Your word have been an encouragment.
Mackenzie says
Thank you for this post 🙂 I needed these words of encouragement. Bless you!
Diane Yuhas says
Hi Lysa. I just started reading Made To Crave – I’m in chapter 2. I’ve been asking the Lord to help me with my overeating and under-exercising for ages, and because of the questions you put forth in your book, I see that God has been preparing me all along. I’ve been able to overcome a certain sin by praying each time I’m tempted so that it’s only rarely I’m tempted anymore. I wanted godliness in that area. For the first time in my life, I believe I’ll overcome in the area of food cravings because I’ve already had triumph in that other area. But I would not have known this had it not been for your book. Thank you. I’ve said all along it’s my “want to” that needed help. Now I see my “want to” must be to “want God more than food”. At first glance, that seems so trite, yet it is the deepest truth. God bless you.
Cheryl says
Straight to the heart! Thank you for your willingness to say the hard things. You encourage me to remember who governs my whole life, including my tastebuds.
To God be the glory, great things He has done 🙂
Vanessa Tachenko says
Great post! I shared this post on my blog, it was very fitting for what I posted today. Thanks for sharing.
Mowry says
Lysa ~ (Cry, cry, smile!) Thank you so much for these words today. Good grief…sniff! We all have our story don’t we? Whew!! My weakness is and always has been food! I will print your words and tape them to the bathroom mirror, magnet them to the refrigerator and maybe even prop them on my desk in eye’s sight. God’s peace is available to us in everything!!! Why do we as humans tend tolock off the areas of our life where we need peace the most! Thank you again for your wisdom and sharing! Loving Christ with you ~ Mowry
Debbie T. says
Thanks Lysa. I enjoy your posts. Today is my birthday. And – it’s also the first bday since my momma passed away on 9/30/11. I’ve been feeling weak in how I miss her so deeply. If I could have just 1 wish today, it would be one more bday hug from Momma and one more “I love you”. Alas, not all wishes come true, at least not right away. In God’s timing, I will one day be reunited w/ my mom in Heaven for Eternity. Some of these “1sts” hurt a little more than others. God will see me through, of this I am confident.
Mowry says
Debbie ~ You will definitely be in my prayers. My mom breathed her soul into eternity on 1/9/10. Those “firsts” were tough; very tough. You need to allow yourself to miss her and grieve her on those “firsts.” That is part of the healing process. Our Lord is there with you too, carrying you every step…. Feel His presence. Blessings!
Anonymous says
Thank you Mowry! You are so kind. A dear cousin told me yesterday that she knew God would send me some special bday hugs from Him. I am happy to report that He did. And, that includes the special note from you! And, you are so right. One of the biggest lessons that I’ve learned is allowing myself to miss her and grieve her, especially in my own timing not anyone elses. To try to deny the feelings or worse yet, stuff them —- bad news. Thank you again. Be blessed and I pray you feel God’s peace in your life today, and every day!
Becky M says
Lysa, as a breast cancer survivor who recently has been put “on notice” that I may be diabetic — this year has been really difficult. Cancer cells apparently “like” sugar. I am struggling . . . Thank you for your post. I was about to give up for something to eat — sweet something — and here you were. God bless.
Carol says
Thank you, Lysa for another encouraging word about food struggles. Today at lunch I opted for the 1/2 sandwich and soup instead of the whole sandwich and fries. I thought of you as I made that choice. It might seem small, but it was big to me. Thanks again. 🙂
Betty Draper says
Lysa, what a great post…love the reminder that God is to control us and not food. We returned from our over seas mission and struggle began. When you live in a third world country, no fast food, every thing from scratch, walking more then riding, only one tv station that usually only has rugby being played and a host of other things that really keep you health…the mulitude of choices in the US makes discipline go right out the window. We joined the YMCA after about two months here as we watch our weight go up and up and up. Slowly but surely we are gaining some control over this not making right choices. Timely post for me, just shared it with my husband, now I need to get your book. Thanks
Katharina says
Your post spoke to me and many others today. We all have frustrations and mountains to climb in our lives everyday. Sometimes it doesn’t matter what the issue is, because the feeling is pretty much the same with all issues.
Big hug to you today. Being aware and taking ownership is a big step towards positive and goal oriented points. Thanks for reminding me too, that none of us are ever alone in our struggles. Blessings for strength.
Sherry says
I am reading the Made to Crave, and I was wondering if it would be alright to use the HCG drops as a boost to get started with the food plan?
Sengretta says
Thank you for that lovely post, everyday seems like a struggle , I struggle with wondering when were going to get marry sometimes I wonder if he’ll ever marry me. After, reading the post I realized that well all struggle with something. I pray that peace comes upon every woman out there that struggles with something, temper, food, love, or a broken family. I trust that GOD will see us all through. And each one of us will be a testiomanal to many other woman, Thanks Lysa I love the website it’s my driving force to be a Proverbs 31woman.
Linda says
Dear Lysa
what can i say but ‘thank you.’
God bless you. Linda
Margo says
Wonderful advise! I always forget to go to HIM first before my weaknesses consume me! And, you do not look like you have an eating problem my dear! You are beautiful.
Dionna says
Oh yes. I do feel weak on some days. Great post.
Arden Elizabeth says
Thank you for sharing: The scale can measure your physical weight but never your worth as a woman. Do you know that? I mean do you know it the second you step on that scale and start calling yourself names you’d never let other people call you? — I so struggle with eating and allowing the scale to dictate who I am. I pinned this so I’m hoping others will benefit.
{Day 2} {again} {yes, you read right} or by all things i need a new beginning | What you have, I don't want. says
[…] Because I’m Feeling a Little Weak […]
Lisa V. says
Yeah!!! Lysa, so love to see you popping in other places. I love the encouragement you give. Started Made To Crave last week. I’m in 3 chapters. I seem to continue to hear in my head your voice, saying “We were made to crave God more than food.” I’m very excited too see the changes I begin to make in my daily eating. I’m more excited to see how much more I’m going to crave God.
emily says
Timely reminder for me. I don’t struggle with the scale, but I do battle craving every day! I’m so thankful for all God has taught you through your own struggle so you could encourage us in ours…me in mine. So for the rest of today I’ll let majority rule!