
My usual response to his overwhelming optimism is a snippy, “I know it CAN be done. But I also know me, and chances are I won’t do it.” It’s like I get mad at him for having confidence in me. But like I said, once your brain is set on past failures, it is very difficult to overcome those feelings.
But there are a few things to remember.
1. Our feelings don’t mean jack and are definitely not an indicator of truth. You may feel like you are not ready for something that God is calling you to do, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t. You may feel like the man or woman you are with is good for you but that doesn’t mean they are. You may feel like you won’t stick to a plan long enough to achieve success, but you can. Try to get out of your own head and just act on the facts.
“The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked. Who can understand it?” Jeremiah 17:9
2. Everyone fails, but people who succeed have persistence. I ran across a quote by Calvin Coolidge that sums it up well. He said, “Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not: nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not: the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.”
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
3. God can change the way you think, but until you are there, just do what He tells you to do. God’s wisdom much higher than our own. The Bible is full of instruction that we know will get us to Heaven. But do you believe that it is also full of instruction on how to live a good life while we are here? It talks about everything from how to use money, to how to raise kids, and yes - even how to take care of our bodies. Follow these principles and He promises that you will have a more abundant life.
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2
My mind is still not where it should be. But it is definitely better than it was even a year ago. Today marks 32 days that I have stuck to my current plan. I’ve been tracking calories, walking, and drinking a lot of water. I don’t even know if I’ve lost weight (because I have not stepped on a scale), but I am considering this past month a success and continuing on. Even the smallest steps forward are better than standing still. At least that's what my husband says.