Have you ever heard of Lysa Terkeurst? I enjoy her blog and now I’m enjoying her latest book: Made to Crave.
Do you remember reading my “Deny What?” post where I shared my scripture for 2011?
Matthew 16:24
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow Me.”
Well, it was during the time that I was listening to K-Love Radio and the whole “scripture for the year” discussion that I heard Lysa Terkeurst discussing her latest book. K-Love was actually sharing part of the book each day.
I finally decided to order a copy of the book for myself — though I think I must be at the end of this book sensation. Apparently Lysa has web casts about this each Monday evening (and Tuesdays — from what I’ve heard).
I haven’t had a chance to get very far in this book, but I will say the first night I picked it up I was STOPPED in my tracks when Lysa discussed the rich young man’s interaction with Jesus.
Matthew 19:21
Jesus answered him, If you would be perfect [that is, have that spiritual maturity which accompanies self-sacrificing character], go and sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven; and come, be My disciple [side with My party and follow Me].
On page 15 Lysa points out: “The rich young man then goes away sad because he won’t give up the one thing that consumes him.”
That did it. I was stunned and the tears began to flow.
Even though I had great victory with weight loss, the battle rages on and it seems to be such a STRUGGLE. For so long it wasn’t a struggle. I had changed my lifestyle and it was working great. Then came this past fall and BOOM.
Sometimes I feel like I can understand an alcoholic. It is just a different drug that they use.
Anyway, I want to stop there with the rich young man and Jesus. I feel like each of us could probably name something in our lives that we run to instead of totally allowing God to satisfy our desires.
Yes, we are ALL made to crave. We are made to crave our Creator!
Lysa wrote: I imagine Jesus looked straight into this young man’s soul and said, “I want you to give up the one thing you crave more than Me. Then come, follow Me.”
Does this convict anyone other than me??? Remember, God had already placed the scripture on my heart this year about DENYING myself …
I’ll keep you posted as I work through this book.
Of course it convicts me, girl, I'm in the same boat! Thanks for being so open & honest. Love ya
Convicting yes, but very appreciated. Thanks for this food of thought that I can chew on all day.
God bless you.
Oh my friend…I can so relate. My weight & my struggles with it are the subject of my post today. Thanks for the extra encouragement. The Lord knew I needed it. (((Hugs))) to you my friend!
This most definitely spoke to me as I am on a weight loss journey. It's been a roller-coaster, but THIS put it into FOCUS for me..Thank You.
Sis, it convicts me.
I can totally relate, Beth. We've had one family/health crisis after another since July. My eating has been totally out of control! I've been considering buying Made to Crave.
Beth,
I can so relate. I've struggled with food issues as well. When I have to urge to eat too much, I ask the Lord what feelings I'm trying to stuff down or what issues I am dealing with. Once I've identified the problem, it's easier to say "no."
I also try to create a junk food free zone in our home so I'm not tempted.
Very convicting, we are only to crave for Jesus:)
Being a person that never had to worry about her weight and could eat anything and everything she wanted, and then when all that changed after the "m" word…it has been a true struggle….and still is! Still want to eat like I used to 10 – 15 years ago when I never gained a pound!
~Beth
always a struggle that keeps us humbled..the fight isn't in ourselves I believe it's against the spirit..learning to surrender is such a trail.
One I'm sure you will overcome in Christ.
I downloaded the book several weeks ago, and have only read through the first two chapters. I can't bring myself to face this issue. Please pray for me!