HONORING GOD THROUGH EATING
“Therefore whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of Cod'(l Corinthians 10:3 ).
ADDICTIONS
Food is a necessary commodity—a source of nutrition and happiness. Almost all celebrations are accompanied by food and drink. The apostle Paul urges us to honor God in our eating, drinking and any other thing we are doing. Food is necessary in order to survive, but it can become a nightmare for some.
Gisela had the tendency to overeat. When she had sweets, fried food or any other high calorie food, she could not control eating only moderate amounts of food. She felt a strong craving to eat more and ended up eating frantically especially when she was alone. Even at work she had a drawer full of chocolate, biscuits, sweets and other snacks that she anxiously gulped at certain times. She usually experienced this strong and sudden desire when she felt discouraged or stressed after an unpleasant conversation or memory. Physically, Gisela was affected as she almost reached obesity. Mentally, she did not have much willpower to control her behavior. Socially, she rejected the company of any person, and she was at high risk of falling into overeating. Spiritually, she had lost the vibrant religiosity she used to have and she did not even pray, read the Bible or think about spiritual things.
When Gisela realized the danger, she was in and tried to abandon her addiction, she discovered the true depth of her problem. If she was dieting for two or three days, eating healthily and moderately, she felt uncomfortable, bad-tempered, constantly thinking of her desire of eating pastries, chocolate, cakes, jams, ice cream, and fried food and bread. The terrible distress due to the lack of the addictive product is known as withdrawal syndrome. Under this pressure, Gisela relapsed in her food addiction then felt guilty for falling into the temptation.
Only God’s power and the personal support of her best friend could take Gisela out of the mire she was sinking into day by day. She admitted that only the Creator’s supernatural power could save her from this slavery. She started praying fervently as never before and sought refuge in the biblical promises. Her close friend kept in touch with her through calls, text messages and in person. They prayed a lot—together and separately. God intervened and Gisela began feeling free again by the help of divine power and her friend.
Today, Gisela is free. However, she continues cautiously and clings to God as she is more at risk than those who were never addicted to food.
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Taken from: Daily Devotions for Adults 2020
“A Cheerful Heart Is Good Medicine”
From: Julian Melgoza-Laura Fidanza
Colaboradores: Yudith C & Alejandra Zavala