Hey, Everybody! I promised you this blog post after asking for testimonies late last week about freedom in Christ from areas of bondage. I was teaching on the subject in a television taping the next day and wanted fresh stories to build up the faith of people who feared they’d never be free. As I compiled the list of strongholds, I shook my head over the goodness of God and the immeasurable reach of His grace. People testified to freedom from heroin, meth, alcohol and pornography addictions and being released from strongholds of anger, rage, bitterness, unforgiveness, hatred and insecurity. The list went on and on. The common denominator? Every person testifying believed beyond a doubt that Jesus alone had set them free. Some had been set free instantly. Others took longer journeys to freedom. Some were in support groups, others were not. Some went to counseling, others didn’t. The routes to freedom varied but the end result was the same: they’d all been set free by Jesus and those who described the process of their liberty almost without exception named the crucial role of Scripture. As I jotted down all the strongholds mentioned, I tweeted how everything under the sun had been mentioned.
THEN, I sat and stared at the list for a moment and thought, “Wait a minute. I don’t see any food-related strongholds!” I followed up with another tweet saying no one had mentioned it and asked if anybody had a testimony. Several stories of freedom came though but my feed was swamped by responses of people struggling with bondage to and unhealthy relationships with food, whether they manifested in overeating or under-eating.
I am no expert but I stick by a philosophy of serving based on the words of Peter to the lame man begging for alms in Acts 3:6. “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give you.” I don’t have impressive training and expertise with food-related strongholds – those voices are out there and please seek them out – but, in the meantime, anything I have is yours. I’ve studied freedom in Christ for 20 years, holding it close to my heart as part of my life-message because Jesus saved my sanity through rewiring my mind with Scripture. I am convinced to my bones, if He could rescue me and set me free, He can do it for anyone.
When I need a breakthrough in a really tough area, I find no approach more power-packed and effective than combining prayer with Scripture. That’s what the book Praying God’s Word is all about. With my publisher’s permission, you’ll find 31 Scripture-prayers from various chapters of the book below. I am so grateful to my beloved coworkers, Kimberly McMahon (K-Mac) and Nancy Mattingly, for gathering a cross-section of them and typing them up meticulously for you here.
You’ll notice quickly that the prayers are not only about moderation and care of the physical body. There’s a good reason for that. Food-related strongholds aren’t just about appetites. They are often about real-live needs and wants that have gone unmet and unanswered. They can be about loneliness and emptiness. Those are the kinds of issues to talk to godly counselors about but I want to make sure you know this here and now: whether or not you are free from a stronghold has absolutely no bearing on how loved, accepted and chosen you are by God. This is about your liberty. Not about your worth. Your value is not wrapped up in this. In fact, accepting your inestimable value to God in advance of a whit of victory will be the single biggest leap toward freedom you will ever take. Beating yourself over the head with your Bible will never set you free. It will only bruise you. The Word of God bringing life and truth into the heart and mind of a follower of Jesus sets you free. These are the mindsets for demolishing strongholds based on the charge in 2 Corinthians 10:5 (“to destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ”): Choosing to believe and confess that God is well able, that you are well loved, that you can do anything He calls you to do through His power at work within you and that no sin or stronghold has the right to master you. That’s why the prayers below are a cross-section of professions rather than a compilation strictly about eating.
Use the prayers below anyway you want but say them aloud as often as you can. It will build up your faith which will build up your strength. After you get the general idea, go dive into your Bible where you will find no end to the verses that you can turn into prayers to profess the power and greatness of God, His love for you and His promises extended through the Lord Jesus Christ. In Romans 8 alone you’ll find such a wealth of promises that simply reading the words out loud as professions of your faith will start snapping chains and quaking concrete floors where you feel imprisoned.
We love you. We share your battles. Now, let’s share some victories. Jesus, do what You do.
1. My Father, great are Your works! They are pondered by all who delight in them. Glorious and majestic are Your deeds, and Your righteousness endures forever. You have caused Your wonders to be remembered; You, Lord, are gracious and compassionate. (Psalm 111:2–4) The works of Your hands are faithful and just; all Your precepts are trustworthy. They are steadfast for ever and ever, done in faithfulness and uprightness. (Psalm 111:7–8)
2. Father, so often I feel like the boy’s father who first exclaimed, “I do believe!” then in a flood of sincerity cried out, “Help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24) Please help me to overcome my own unbelief, Lord, so I can start taking You at Your Word.
3. Father, I don’t want to be like the ancient Israelites who were not able to enter the Promised Land “rest” because of their unbelief. (Hebrews 3:19) Help me to believe You and follow You to the place of Your promised land in my own life.
4. Father, Your Word says that if Your disciples believe, they will receive whatever they ask for in prayer. (Matthew 21:22) Lord, as you mature my faith, also teach me how to pray and what to ask of You in prayer. I have so much to learn. Keep teaching me, Father.
5. Christ Jesus, You said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” (John 20:27) Lord, I cannot see Your visible hands, but if I’m willing to really look, I can see the visible evidences of Your invisible hands. Help me to stop doubting and believe!
6. Lord God, You don’t want me to be persuaded just by the wise and persuasive words of men. You want me to be persuaded by the demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that my faith will not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power. (1 Corinthians 2:4–5)
7. Lord God, You have said that Your righteous one will live by faith and if he shrinks back You will not be pleased with him. (Hebrews 10:38) Lord, I want to live a life that is pleasing to You. The life that pleases you is also a life that You so readily bless. (Hebrews 11:6) I don’t want to miss the great adventures You mapped out for me by shrinking back from a walk of faith.
8. Father, I desire to fix my eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of my faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2)
9. Father, according to Your Word, in his pride the wicked does not seek You; in all his thoughts there is no room for You. (Psalm 10:4) Please help me to always make room in my thoughts for You, God. Don’t allow me to continue on in pride that stops me from seeking You.
10. Father, You have promised that if Your people, who are called by Your name, will humble themselves and pray and seek Your face and turn from their wicked ways, then will You hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14) Please help me to understand that corporate revival begins with personal, individual revival. Help me to humble myself and pray and seek Your face and turn from my own wicked ways. Thank You for hearing me from heaven and forgiving my sin and bringing healing to my heart.
11. Sovereign Lord, Your hand has made heaven and earth, and through You they came into being. Your Word says, “This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word.” (Isaiah 66:2) Father, I can hardly imagine being someone You esteem, but I sincerely want to be! Make me that kind of person through the power of Your Holy Spirit, Lord.
12. Show me Your ways, O Lord, teach me Your paths; guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long. (Psalm 25:4–5)
13. My all-powerful God, enable me to stand firm, with the belt of truth buckled around my waist and with the breastplate of righteousness in place. (Ephesians 6:14) Help me to understand that without the girding of truth, I am defenseless against the devil. Truth is my main defense against the father of lies.
14. Lord, without You I would be foolish, disobedient, deceived, and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. I would live in malice and envy, being hated and hating others. (Titus 3:3) I don’t want that kind of life, God! I want to live life in the power and fullness of Your Spirit.
15. Father God, You command me for my own good not to merely listen to the Word but to do what it says. If I only listen and do not obey, I will undoubtedly deceive myself. Help me to comprehend that the Word of God is my perfect law of liberty! (James 1:22, 25 kjv)
16. My Jesus, according to Your Word, whoever has Your commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves You. He who loves You will be loved by Your Father, and You too will love him and show Yourself to him. (John 14:21) O, God, please help me to live obediently and have the joy of seeing You revealed in all sorts of marvelous ways.
17. Lord, according to Your Word, what a man desires or craves deeply is unfailing love. (Proverbs 19:22) Every other use of the words unfailing love in Scripture is attributed to You alone. You are the only one capable of perpetually unfailing love. Help me to understand that my deep cravings for someone to love me with that kind of love were meant to be satisfied in You alone. Thank You, Lord.
18. I praise You, Lord, with all my soul, and I desire never to forget all Your benefits—You, Lord, are the one who forgives all my sins and heals my diseases, who redeems my life from the pit and crowns me with love and compassion, who satisfies my desires with good things so that my youth is renewed like the eagle’s. You, Lord, work righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. (Psalm 103:2–6)
19. Lord Jesus, You asked Your Father to give me a Counselor that would be with me forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept the Holy Spirit, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But I know Him, for He lives with me and is in me. You have not left me as an orphan. You came to me. Even though the world does not see You any more, I can see You through the work of Your Holy Spirit. Because You live, I also live. Help me to realize that You, Jesus, are in Your Father, and I am in You, and You are in me. (John 14:15–20)
20. Father, Your Word says that a person who lacks self-control is like a city whose walls are broken down. (Proverbs 25:28) Sometimes I feel like there is so much rubble, I can’t rebuild the wall. (Nehemiah 4:10) Your Word claims that You are the Repairer of Broken Walls, and the Restorer of Streets with Dwellings. (Isaiah 58:12) Please introduce Yourself to me by these wonderful names and rebuild the rubble in my life.
21. For I know that my old self was crucified with You, Christ, so that this body of sin might be done away with, that I should no longer be a slave to sin—because anyone who has died has been freed from sin. (Romans 6:6–7)
22. “Everything is permissible for me”—but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me”—but I desire not to be mastered by anything. (1 Corinthians 6:12) Lord God, help me to recognize and discern what is not beneficial for me. Help me to see that authentic liberty is being free to do certain things and free not to do others.
23. Lord God, I acknowledge that it is for freedom that Christ has set me free. Your desire is for me to stand firm, then, and not let myself be burdened again by the yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1) Help me, Lord. Empower me.
24. In view of Your mercy, Lord, I offer my body as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to You, God. This is my spiritual act of worship. I desire not to be conformed any longer to the pattern of this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of my mind. Then I will be able to test and approve what Your will is—Your good, pleasing, and perfect will. (Romans 12:1–2)
25. Lord, though I live in the world, I do not wage war as the world does. The weapons I fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. Your power can demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of You, God, and take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:3–5) Enable me, Lord! Help me not just to read it and say it, but to believe it and do it!
26. Lord, I have too long given the devil a foothold. (Ephesians 4:27) Please help me to stop offering him so many opportunities to bring defeat into my life. Your plan for me is victory.
27. God, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which You have called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13–14) Help me to forget all past failures or even achievements and to focus on pressing forward with You now.
28. Lord Jesus, I can do everything through You because You give me strength. (Philippians 4:13)
29. Lord, I can find great encouragement in knowing that many believers, weak in their natural selves, have walked faithfully and victoriously with You. (Hebrews 11) Therefore, since I am surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, help me throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and help me run with perseverance the race marked out for me. Help me fix my eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of my faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of Your throne, O God. (Hebrews 12:1–2)
30. Lord God, Your divine power has given me everything I need for life and godliness through my knowledge of You who called me by Your own glory and goodness. (2 Peter 1:3)
31. Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me. (Psalm 142:6) Lord, an important part of my victory will be admitting that without Your complete intervention, my oppressor is too strong for me. I am unable to be victorious without You. Come and rescue me with Your mighty hand.
With tears running down my face, I write this. I so desperately want to be free of this stronghold that I have been trapped in for decades. Thank you Jesus for using Beth in Your perfect timing to encourage me to never give up.
How wonderful to read these power packed words today!! God’s Word is POWER, LIGHT and TRUTH!! “Truth is God’s opinion about everything!” P. Shirer.
I have very nearly given up believing I could ever be free in this area. I cannot even tell you how desperately I long for release from this captivity. Praise God for this perfectly timed blog, giving me hope for another day.
Beth,
I received this email twice and it was so long that I put off reading it until this morning. I think God has been trying to get through to me about my eating habits and this post is very timely, because he has also been using other avenues to speak to me about my eating habits. I lost weight mostly through walking and using a diet plan from a well-known company, but the temptation of food is all around me. I disobey God’s prompting when choosing a food that isn’t healthy for me to eat. I am going to choose one or two of these verses to meditate on so His word is in my mind. Hopefully,the next time I go to reach for an unhealthy food choice, those verses will come to mind. By the way, I did the video and book “Breaking Free” and I still keep in my mind the diagram of the man who is in a cell and his thoughts rule his mind until he replaces those thoughts with scripture. The group would talk about having trouble memorizing scripture and the leader said “Ask God to help you memorize scripture. She knew so much scripture and I am glad to have been under her tutelage for that time in my life. Thank you for your teaching and encouragement!
Janet P. College Station, TX
Romans 12:2New King James Version (NKJV)
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
This has been an area of struggle for me for decades from many different angles. I was reading a book on addiction once, and the author mentioned that in her practice, people rarely break free from food-related addictions. I suppose that is largely because we are unable to completely eliminate food from our lives (like can be done with other strongholds). I figured it was hopeless. Then, God used a fresh perspective on Romans 12:1-2 to finally get through to me. After years of begging God for an answer to this, I am finally living in victory most days. God is still working on me and I’m certain this will be a lengthy process (perhaps even life-long), but the difference just since June has been amazing. The key has been consistently renewing my mind to the mind of Christ (and taking thoughts captive – 2 Cor.10:5). Barb Raveling has an entire site dedicated to this. I use her “I Deserve a Donut (and other lies that make you eat)” book and app almost daily, along with “Praying God’s Word”. I remember doing “Breaking Free” years ago (He was working on me about unforgiveness at that time) and you (Beth) talking about renewing your mind and taking thoughts captive, but I never related it to my food related strongholds. I also remember you talking about praying scripture on a video where you showed your index cards (I now have a set of prayer cards too). I would try it for a few days and then give up because I kept failing. I realized that I was still trying to do it in my own strength (while expecting to be set free immediately). My quitting was exactly what the enemy wanted because he knew renewing my mind was key. I would get so frustrated and angry. I would beat myself up about failing, not just about sticking to a diet, but about failing to pray. I was trying to be perfect. At that time I was putting way too much focus on dieting and not enough attention on changing my thinking (renewing my mind to God’s truth about myself, food, etc). So, in June, I shifted my focus to developing a daily practice of renewing my mind with God’s truth. I decided to accept His grace when I skipped a day or when I just plain “can’t want to” and rather ask for His help in renewing my mind about renewing my mind – ha! Since then, God has not only released a bit of excess weight from my physical body, but from my heart too. My thinking is gradually changing, which is affecting my actions. Sure, I’d love for Him to heal me overnight and all the excess weight to be gone… yesterday. However, I am starting to see the beauty in this plan too. God and I are walking hand in hand through this thing. I’m experiencing His grace so deeply that I cannot help but love Him all the more. As an added bonus, He’s bringing fruit in other areas of my life too. Yikes, this is way long. Anyway, I just wanted to say to others out there who struggle with this thing, there is hope… in Jesus. Focus on what is within your control… renewing your mind, and trusting God. The results/fruit, well, those are His responsibility. Blessings!
Dear Sisters,
I am not on Twitter, but if this is timely for anyone, then I pray God will use it to help someone for His praise! For many reasons that I don’t blame, but played a factor in my life by pushing me into one pit where I started making my own new pits and jumping in feet first as I grew older, I became bulimic. I had known Jesus since I was 4 years old, but He was a scary and angry God that I cried myself to sleep begging not to be sent to hell as I hit my teenage years, not the loving God I later discovered He truly is. I started throwing up at age 13 yrs which, along with many other horrible choices, continued for 13 more years. At 26 yrs, I went to a ladies retreat on the coast, where I unburdened my heart about it and many other horrors, and for the first time I actually felt God’s love…it was overpowering and gave me a totally different view of hope, not fear…I was much forgiven and could pass on that huge love to others that He gave me. Trouble is, although many others had stopped, I couldn’t get a handle on my bulimia. One day my dear, loving, forgiving and patient husband told me that if I really felt loved, that I needed to stop…I needed to love myself, which was different then just God loving me, but God wanting me to love and forgive myself. I had tried daily to stop for most of the 13 years after the initial excitement of starting it wore off, but after each mistake I would consider the day a failure, give up, binge, purge and start again the next day. I didn’t want to get fat and I didn’t like to feel full but I wanted to eat and eat and not think about what was going on, while keeping up a job, or straight A’s (almost), violin practice etc.. I’d tried most of every day before my husband said that. Something clicked and I prayed with desperation, just like before, but I knew someone else was pulling for me and how important I was to Him that I take care of myself…and I want NO condemnation for anyone who it hasn’t worked for like this because most everything in my life of change has been a process and a time consuming one…but that night when I prayed, with full faith that I was loved, Jesus took that addiction’s power over me and hurled it as far from the east is from the west, and it was over, cold turkey, never binged and purged again. That doesn’t mean that I didn’t crave it and want to and fight like crazy to stay holding onto Jesus’ hands each and every second, for years, but the urges slowly went from astronomical to manageable. The hard thing about food disorders, is you can’t just avoid food- you have to moderate and moderate an addiction is impossible for long, without His love and help. I had to rethink food as a whole but He helped me with that too through every mistake of eating too much but keeping it down, to refusing guilt when food poisoning or a winter flu forced me to throw up crying on occasion (I still hate to do it!!), to avoiding all you can eat buffets and not finishing everything I take…sometimes I’m too picky but I’ve learned I’d rather eat a little bit of something special or tasty or sometimes more costly, then a pile of anything. I was quality to Jesus in some unfathomable way, so it was ok to be kind to myself, and othrers. Jesus kept my hands and mind busy with studying His word revenously while intermittently healing and watching Little House on the Prairie reruns. 🙂 I devoured His word even while subbing in the school library or on breaks, anything to keep Jesus close and to understand more about this loving and adoring Father that I had never been able to please but suddenly trusted. I still struggle with what I eat and I battle a worry over wasting a yucky cup of coffee or drinking it, or with any food that doesn’t set well, but have learned that it is not a waste to not finish something, if I’m only going to be tempted to throw it up and waste it anyway. It also helped me with portions and choices for the next time, and knowledge and care is never wasted. I have prayed and seen God turn my addiction to helping someone else, and I can honestly say I am thankful for what I went through because it took a lot to humble this arrogant, 26 year old proud, scared, perfectionist, to come to a place to rely on Him and only His perfect work in my heart. I am 42 now and that’s a lot of years of praising Jesus for His release!! I know He is my rock and my deliverer. Despite what I put my body through and those around me who loved me, He had forgiven me and I was going to share that with everyone who would let me brag on my sweet, all powerful Jesus. Blessings and love to you all sweet sweet sisters! You are loved!!! He is there and will release you for His glory, in the right time, and you will be able to help others because of it, even if you are still in the throes of your temptation. Hugs~ Sandy
Thank you for sharing your testimony to freedom, Sandy! I know others will be encouraged by it.
Proverbs 19:8 Amplified
” He who gains Wisdom loves his own life; he who keeps understanding shall prosper and find good. “
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 1 Timothy 6:17 NIV
Thank you, Beth. Thank You, God, for how You’ve taught her to wield Your Sword and inspire us to do the same.
Shauna K., River Falls, WI
Lamentations 2:19 (NIV): “Pour our your heart like water before the face of the Lord. Lift your hands toward Him for the life of your young children.”
I have struggled with my relationship with food my whole life. I, too, had tears streaming down my face as I read aloud the scriptures as you suggested. I will keep reading them aloud and will search for others as you suggested. I want to be transformed by the Word of God. Thank you for sharing your insights into strongholds and these verses. I want to be free. It appears “Breaking Free” would be a good study for me and “Praying God’s Word” would be a good resource as well. Please pray for my heart. Thank you for your ministry.
Yes, Rita! These are both powerful resources, pointing you to the power and life the Word of God brings! This is your time. Let Him have it all.
Thank you for sharing these, Beth. I prayed some of them with my kids tonight.
Kathie Dini-Alburtis,Pa. Ps.141:8 but my eyes are fixed on you oh sovereign Lord; in you I take refuge- do not give me over to death.NIV
Bonnie, Alexandria, LA
“Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.” Hebrews 10:23 NLT
I had no idea how much I needed this until I read it… thank you!
Nancy Bradshaw Melbourne Florida
My heart says of you, “seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek.
Psalm 27:8 NIV
Hi Beth,
I wanted to write in and let you know that I am a woman who was definitely set free from binge eating (and self-loathing) because of your Breaking Free study. I did many things (by God’s grace) including counseling, support groups, and reading various authors on the subject, not to mention receiving many prayers from others to be set free from overeating. I especially want to encourage you because God has given me a dream and a ministry in this area (Releasity) and I just wanted to say “thank you” here. God showed me how to return to following my physical hunger cues (with his help), to identify my emotions (I started learning what I actually felt at age 28- I had numbed my emotions with food for years!) in the moments I want to eat but am not physically hungry, and to bring those emotions to him for healing and comfort (not run to good to “help” me face my problems). He has shown me how to pursue life beyond food. As you said, praying the word definitely transforms us by his power. God bless you for all you do- and!! I loved War Rook too:).
Oh Joy, what a great testimony to the power of God’s Word in your life! Thank you for sharing.
Hi- it’s Joy again- I saw two typos in my last post- would you mind editing them if you post it? One is “not run to food for help”. (Not “good”) and the other, obviously, is “War Room”:). Thanks!! Typing on my little phone here…
@thelattelady from Richardson, TX
Psalm 105:4 NIV Look to the Lord and His strength, seek his face always.
Valarie, Cincinnati- “Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him.” Psalm 62: 5 NLT
Thank you, Beth, for once again recognizing a profound need in the body of Christ. I will be creating prayer-flashcards with each of these prayers. Thank you so much for your dedication to all of us. I would so love to sit down with you over a cup of coffee and tell you about my journey because your ministry is an integral part of it. I have done almost all of your studies and have tried to see you each time you have been in California. I always leave edified and blessed. My first Living Proof Live event was Fresno in 2004 or 2006. I walked away from that event saying to my girlfriend, “I want what she’s got!” Your voice rings in my head to this day, “Are you willing to be weird for Jesus?” At one point that question made me scrunch up my face thinking, “Umm, if I’m honest, probably not?” Well, my answer is different today! Praise our Loving, Faithful, Mighty God! Thank you, Beth. I love you so much.
You go, Jamie! May those scriptures start a new season of a renewed mind and walking in truth!
“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
for to you I lift up my soul”
Psalm 143:8 NIV
1990 God broke the stronghold chocolate held over me. I used to say I was a chocoholic. I lost weight 70 lbs. More importantly, I through a lot of arguments and words, God broke through a lifetime of lies and beliefs that I was worthless! Together, God and I worked to break out and accept and believe and know that I am priceless. I stayed thin until 2009, when a car accident and 2 traumatic brain injuries have caused me to gain weight. HOWEVER, I might have gained weight, but I have never gone back to being worthless. I may have lost my career, my home, my independence, my marriage, and so much more YET I know God loves me, is using me, is faithful. YET Yahweh’s Eternally Trustworthy therefore no matter how it seems YET God changes everything. So much is on my heart to share with all of you, yet space is limited. I may be overweight now, yet God will and is with me, guiding me, helping me and encouraging me. Together, some how some way, together we will get healthy again. After all, I couldn’t drive and now I am, I could barely walk across the room without holding on to something, and now I no longer use a cane. With God all things a possible, and together we will conquer and break strongholds. He teaches me daily to rest in His love and be. simply be. not do, not strive, yet be. Maybe someday I can share more of my journey from worthless to priceless, from prison to peace, from abuse to abundance of love for others and myself and so much more. I know God is using me and look forward to how he will use me more.
Beth, I am so glad that you have asked for my story of healing from being a slave to anorexia/bulimia for 18+ years. I was a member of your ladies SS class for part of that time and know that you prayed for me then. God’s healing was not in my timing but in his perfect timing. I tried lots of avenues of recovery including 3 different in-patient hospital programs, OA, outpatient therapy, exercise and a combination of all of these. It wasn’t until I let go and let God, did he heal me. In the beginning of my recovery I could not even count the hours, then the days that I had not purged. And then I realized one day that it had been a year. Now 22+ years and I have not binged or purged and only by God’s grace. I wish I had a formula to be able to share with others but I don’t except to say that in God’s perfect timing and his plan, he healed me. I have had no lasting side effects of multiple times a day purging episodes, which I did for years. There were a few times, 5 – 10 over the years that I came close to reverting to my old behaviors but God held me in the palm of his hands and protected me from myself. As in all lives, the last 22 years have not been without difficulties but God is good and faithful to finish a good work.
I have recently been thinking of the miracle of my healing and thank you Beth for giving me the opportunity to share. Also thank you for your prayers and wise counsel!
Marcy in Garland, Texas
The writer of Hebrews tells us the New Covenant is so much better than the Old Law. “But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven.” Hebrews 12:22,23 NIV
Listen, can you “hear that mighty chorus sweetly sing”?
Natalie, Houston
“And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
Luke 9:23 ESV
Thank you Beth! In case it might be helpful to others, I also recommend Lysa TerKeurst’s “Made to Crave” on this topic – the Lord really used it to convict and help me. And below is a Christian website on eating disorders which friends of mine have found very helpful:
https://www.findingbalance.com/
With love,
Alice
God’s timing is impeccable.
1 Peter 1:7 (NIV) These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith – of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire – may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
I’ve circled this mountain for so long – to say I’m bone weary is an understatement. It seems I’ve conquered so many issues in my life but this is the big one. You begin to feel like it’s just not in your future – God please help me. Again. How many times have I had some measure of victory only to return to struggling.
Your statement could have come straight from my mouth. Still struggling!
Martha Salters
Natchez MS
The Lord replied,” My Presence will go with you,and I will give you rest.”
Exodus 33:14
NIV
JulieP Tierra Verde FL
Ephesians 6:14 NET
Stand firm therefore, by fastening the belt of truth around your waist, by putting on the breastplate of righteousness
Like others have said, I too am weary of this battle. Everyday is a struggle. I was led to this blog for a reason. Thank you Beth!
A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.
Proverbs 29:11 NIV
Kristina, Burkburnett, TX
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.
James 3:17 NASB
Yes, Beth! What a freeing perspective. What little I have I also give. I battled an eating disorder for about 8 years. By God’s grace and strength, I can say that food no longer has the power over me that it used to have as an anorexic/binge eater who was obsessed about food and my body all the day long. What I can remember doing, I’ll share in case there is someone it might help.
I had been memorizing and praying Scripture for several years starting in college, and I finally found significant freedom from my eating disorder when I was 23 or so, now 9 years ago. Without a doubt freedom hinged on my living and believing God’s Word. I prayed a lot and Scripture was alive back then, something I miss now- Lord restore to me the joy of your salvation! Time alone I tried to spend in the Bible or prayer since loneliness was a trigger for me. I was heavily involved in my church leading Bible studies, significant because my focus was not solely on myself. I sought Christian counseling for issues I had with my mom. We didn’t have a good relationship at that time (praise God we do now!). I had great friends with whom I began to share vulnerable things about my life, not just about eating, things I stuffed in shame, which Satan uses to keep us in bondage. I believe bringing my shame out of the dark recesses of my soul and into the light of trusted fellowship was healing for me.
I also began reading a book called “Intuitive Eating,” which Jesus used to teach me to slow down and feel, and to eat what my body was craving and only as much as it needed- rather than eating from an emotional standpoint which paid no attention to hunger or full cues. It just said “eat!” And “more!” And “dessert..where??” From a biological standpoint, when you starve your body, it will naturally want to binge – so I learned that skipping meals wasn’t an option. Also, weight lost too quickly will come right back. How does that happen, right?? Another biological thing, something to do with the metabolism slowing down- I think. Ha It’s been almost a decade since I read the book. Dieting doesn’t really work for binge eaters in the sense of certain foods being off limits- human nature wants even more of what we can’t have. Donuts were it for me. The book tells you you can eat whatever you want… only pay attention to how it makes you feel. Eat mindfully. Not sure this was in the book but based on my own daily experience of “I’ll binge today and start over tomorrow,” I learned that tomorrow is never the time to begin taking care of your body, since it never arrives. The time is now, even if you screwed up 5 minutes ago. I gained a much needed compassion for my body when I realized that craving chocolate before my time of the month was actually physical (a chemical, hormonal craving) not some emotional, pathetic weakness I had. I learned to give my body what it needed in moderation and to pay attention to how it made me feel. I began to realize the torture I put my body through by ignoring or numbing its cues and the joy and rest I felt when I did the exact opposite.
I had always exercised, so I continued doing so.
I also prayed and fasted, which to be honest I would only advise if God specifically leads you to do so as it can just be a cover for starving yourself. And I would add, care for your body and please do not fast if you are physically unhealthy due to your eating disorder. My advice to anyone: tell someone you trust if you are planning to fast. Don’t worry about the verses on fasting in secret, this is about your life and health. In humility seek counsel because sometimes others see things you can’t see right now. I only and VERY hesitantly mention fasting because I do actually believe it played a role in my freedom. I remember clearly it was Isaiah 55 and 58 I pleaded with God for. These chapters are astounding. Make you want to weep astounding.
To God’s glory, I cannot remember the last day I skipped a meal. I also can’t remember the last time I ate until I felt so full I hated myself. Many days food never really crosses my mind in the obsessive ways it does for those with eating disorders. I eat dessert when I want to, no foods are off limits for me. I still fight the feeling of being out of control when I gain a little weight but it doesn’t send me into an eating everything-in-sight-except-the-cat frenzy and I can avoid the tailspin of fear, losing weight slowly and healthily.
Be encouraged there is hope for freedom from the slavery to food. I do not go at it alone, when the sin creeps it’s ugly head up, my husband is there to support me and remind me what is true. Renewing your mind with God’s truth isn’t just for winning the battle, it’s also for keeping the victory. This freedom is a lifelong journey I suppose. I’ve heard it said that those with eating disorders are never really cured in the sense of an alcoholic that never again touches alcohol, because we must eat to live. Our temptation is very present, everyday, at least 3 times a day. But rather than let that discourage me, I am reminded constantly of the sustaining grace of God each day. This need for his sustaining grace keeps me dependent on him, and that is a very safe place to be. And his grace is always enough when we mess up. Over time and with each step of victory the temptation loses its power.
God is well able and ever so willing to work a miracle through your life – if he can help someone as immeasurably stubborn as myself, he can help anybody! Take heart and fix your eyes and thoughts on Jesus, and I’ll do the same for the strongholds I battle today! Much love!
I have wrestled with an eating disorder since 2006. Sometimes I do well, others, like this month, not so well. I check your blog only periodically, so apparently God is calling to me.
Barrett
Plano, TX
Ecclesiastes 3:12
I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.
NIV
Wow Sisters! Thank you all so much for your work to post these prayers! I feel the Holy Spirit asking me to step out in faith and believe Him for a miracle of Him clearing the way for our 2 children that we are adopting from Haiti to be home by the start of the year! We’ve been waiting for 2 years and still have a ways to go but feel it is His Will for them to be home and we are to pray in faith and according to our faith it will be done! I took screen-shots of these ~ thank you for helping make it easier to pray His Word in faith throughout the day!!! May His Name be glorified more and more!!!
It’s not often that I pull up this wonderful blog. The quick moments that I do find between raising my two girls, I take a sneak peek on Beth’s tweets! It’s a time of refreshing and I receive each and every post as if we were sitting having coffee together.
But, today. God’s time is always on time. As my sweet 2.5 year old plays it overwhelmed my heart to come here and read. The last two blogs spoke deeply to my heart. I have suffered with under-eating for much of my life. Often being a single mom and the business of life with my girls, there are days that I go to crawl into bed and realize I haven’t had a bite. Feelings of insecurities will then fill my mind of disgust for my body and guilt for not taking proper care of it.
As I have grown in the Lord I have come to acknowledge my eating disorder. I understand know it to be deeply rooted in fear and pride caused by being sexually molested most of my childhood. This beginning most of the dark cycle of my youngest years, until Jesus so graciously came and set me free. Set me free from men and myself, who would take advantage, even to the depth of my own husband.
I have now been on my own for over 2.5 years as I continue to move through a purification process with Jesus. He is so gentle. I have learned in depth boundaries and the value of my body and how to protect, but I have yet to conquer this eating disorder. I know the Lord is faithful and in my weakness He is my strength, so for that I thank you for the post and the depth of scripture that I have now copied and pasted to my prayer journal. Time to dig deep and break free!!!
As for your post Sabrina! My word. I hung on every word. I have often asked the Lord over the last while, how do people do this?? How will I get through all this?? Will I survive? Am I in the right place?? Am I pleasing you Father?? How do you put up with me Father?? In my quite moments He faithfully reminds me, ” Child, It’s because I know the end of you.”
We never understand the call on our life in the midst of His development. I see His faithfulness in every working part of my life, yet daily I seek Him to help me in my fear and doubt. Options in one’s life can overwhelm us, distract us and keep us from the God given purpose for our lives.
At times I am very hard on myself as I am constantly looking to please my Father rather then just receiving His abounding Love, Grace and Mercy. He is so patient, never moved, never hurried, never stressed or anxious. He knows the end of me. He knows the depth of my heart unlike I ever will. The working of the Holy Spirit in my life brings me to tears. The knowledge I have gained, the wisdom, the council and comfort, can only be know and experienced through the intimate moments with Him.
I am on a incredible journey. I believe the end will be glorious, to be with Him for eternity has no compassion to the natural things we will encounter here on earth. Each day above all else I ask Him to make me usable. I am willing Lord to be made anew. To be broken for your Kingdom, to surrender my life to Christ’s sufferings, to walk along the path of humility in full surrender to You and Your Spirit, where ever it will take me.
Finally, I am learning each and every day that I know He has plans for my life, but just today Lord I am learning to embrace the mystery, for my past misery will then become His Ministry through me, and what greater gift could I receive then standing in the midst of His people watching the chains drop loose and seeing His people be set free!!
Praise Jesus, what a way to start today, thank you for this word, I receive it humbly and ask the Lord to create this in me.
Your sister in Christ,
Katherine Lee
Beth: Again, you have blessed me beyond measure. Thank you so much for doing this! I have struggled with this issue my whole life and I’m so weary of it.
I know that God cares about ALL areas of my life and I am going to believe He will help me with this, too!
God bless you!
Philippians 4:8 KJV
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true
Whatsoever things be honest,whatsoever
Things are just, whatsoever things are pure,
Whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever
Things are of a good report, if there be any
virtue, if there be any praise, think on these
things.
I found this site about three months ago. Every day, I read the verse numbered for that day and the day before.
Thank you all so much for the hard work and joyous spirit you’ve brought to us all.
Am reminded of a technique I was taught by a Christian counselor for transformation:
1. RECOGNIZE the negative emotion, thought, desire, and action
2. REMOVE it – or yourself – from the situation by prayer, physically moving, Scripture, phoning a friend… whatever breaks the cycle
3. REPLACE the negative with the positive – not leaving any space for the negative to return (nature abhors a vacuum, and God invented nature!)
4. REMEMBER who created you, the Lord God Almighty, Great Physician, Name above all Names
5. REINFORCE His work in you already done and build on that
May you and yours continue to be blessed in this work of your hands and minds and hearts. Many crowns will be yours for these life-saving words.
Praise the Lord for the Word and the ever-lasting love that created, saved, cared for, and equipped us.