If you’d prefer to listen to this blog, click on the link below and listen for free on Podbean. Alternatively, you can listen to The Jesus 4 Generations Podcast on your favourite streaming platform, e.g. Spotify, Apple Podcasts, etc.

https://ozsazzles.podbean.com/e/overcoming-disordered-eating-a-spiritual-journey/

It would be wonderful if everything went perfectly once we became a Christian, however, it’s not uncommon to undergo trials and tribulations. We may be tempted and fail the test. Occasionally, we battle the same temptation for many years. At times we may experience breakthrough and sometimes the same issue returns or something similar does. We may be so embarrassed we try to hide the struggle, fearing rejection if anyone discovered the truth.

Although I would like to say I am living a victorious life in every aspect, that wouldn’t be true. Unfortunately, I have struggled with disordered eating for more than forty years. During this time I’ve undergone many years of therapy and sought support from psychologists, dietitians, nutritionists and naturopaths.

Twelve years ago I underwent gastric surgery in an attempt to lose weight and gain health. I’ve probably been on every diet known to man and paid thousands of dollars in gym and diet memberships. Not to mention supposed “miracle supplements and foods” that claimed to cure this issue. None of which did.

Many times, I’ve received prayer and hoped I’d been freed. Although I received some temporary healing, it always returned, often in a different form. What started as anorexia nervosa, flipped into bulimia and then night time binging disorder. Same problem in disguise.

 “When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it.  Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order.  Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation.”

Matthew 12:43-45 (NIV)

Over time restricting my intake became harder and I found myself unable to stick to a diet even for one day. My health was affected and I constantly suffered from a sense of shame and embarrassment.

Recently, the Lord gently convicted me of believing a lie – all comfort and peace come from food. Instantly, I realised the truth of it. I repented of believing the lie and renounced all agreement with it. I commanded the spirit to leave, and continued to battle it for three more days.

Two days after praying, I attended an intensive weekend at School of Faith, a Christian school where you can learn about and practice the gifts of the spirit. As they planned to talk about fasting on Saturday, they invited those who were willing, to fast lunch the following day.

To most this would be a simple task. However, the mention of fasting filled me with a sense of dread. Fear is an awful thing, insinuating it would be impossible to fast and I wouldn’t cope. I had thoughts of not attending the Saturday. My husband and I spoke about it that night, and I explained my reluctance to participate. In the morning we both decided fast.

Surprisingly, it was as easy to do as it sounded. I occasionally felt hungry but that was momentary. The fear was totally unfounded. The practical act of fasting broke the lie off me completely.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)

Our loving Father speaks to us always in many different ways. I read and listen to The Verse of the Day on the YouVersion app Holy Bible, daily. The following day, the God of all comfort and peace reminded me to lean on Him and this was the verse of the day:

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

1Cor 10:13 (NIV)

Today, eight days later, I can attest that I have not experienced intrusive thoughts about food, nor indulged in disordered eating. I’m actually experiencing normal hunger prior to eating. It’s been a blessing. A huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. The guilt and shame have evaporated.

Many will read this as a dreadful failure on my part and judge that I have suffered from a lack of willpower. Perhaps they are right. For me, disordered eating and body dysmorphia was a forty-six year battle since I was 13 years old. I know I am now healed. I rejoice in my loving God who never gave up on me.

I hope this post encourages you to seek God and good Godly friends, churches and faith based schools that can encourage and help you to overcome temptation.

I’d love to hear how you have defeated your past issues. You can leave a comment below or email me directly at Jesus4Generations.com@gmail.com. If you’d like to subscribe so you don’t miss any episodes, please do so below. God bless you!

Sources:

All scriptures used were downloaded from Bible Gateway https://www.biblegateway.com/

If you are interested in joining a Christian faith community teaching and practicing using the gifts of the spirit, follow this link to School of Faith – https://www.schooloffaith.com.au/

If you would like to download a free Bible app with a verse of the day and other Bible plans, click on this link to You Versions Bible app –https://www.youversion.com/the-bible-app/