Whoever is a believer in Christ is a new creation. The old way of living has disappeared. A new way of living has come into existence. -- 2 Corinthians 5:17

There is Hope ... Spiritual Hope!

Unfortunately one cannot be free from an eating disorder by merely heightening their willpower and self control.

WILL POWER = Our WILL-ingness to use a Higher POWER = God

For so many of us we think "I can stop this behavior, these cycles, with willpower". I can personally tell you that doesn't work. To change your habits, your life, you must change the way you think. Behind everything you do is a thought. Every behavior is motivated by a belief, and every action is prompted by an attitude. God revealed this thousands of years before psychologists understood it: Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts. -- Proverbs 4:23.

Imagine riding a speedboat on a lake with an automatic pilot set to go east. If you decide to reverse and head west, you have two possible ways to change the boat's direction. One way - grab the steering wheel and physically force it to head in the opposite direction from where the autopilot is programmed to go. By sheer willpower you could overcome the autopilot, but you would feel constant resistance. Your arms would eventually tire of stress, you'd let go of the steering wheel, and the boat would instantly head back east, the way it was internally programmed to go.

This is what happens when you try to change your life with willpower. You say, "I'll force myself to eat normally...exercise more or less...quit obsessing about food." Yes, willpower can produce short-term change, but it creates constant internal stress because you haven't dealt with the root cause. The change doesn't feel natural, so eventually you give up, go off your diet, the right routine, and quickly revert back to old patterns.

There is a better and easier way: Change your autopilot - the way you think. The Bible says, "Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think." -- Romans 12:2b. Your first step in spiritual growth is to start changing the way you think. Change always starts first in your mind. The way you 'think' determines the way you 'feel', and the way you feel influences the way you 'act'. Paul said, "There must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes.

The ability to exercise self-control comes as a gift of God's grace, for "His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence" -- 2 Peter 1:3.

Don't become like the people of this world. Instead, change the way you think. Then you will always be able to determine what God really wants - what is good, pleasing and perfect. -- Romans 12:2

True Change

Initial responsibility requires these basic but essential steps:

1. Admit I have a problem that I cannot control. The unhealthy eating habits are controlling me.
2. Acknowledge that God has the power I don't have to save me. I am not God!
3. Consent to major life-changes. I'm willing to begin replacing the thinking and behaviors which supported my eating disorder.
4. Seek fellowship~support from others, either from a church support group, eating disorders support group, counselor, pastor
5. Consent to medical and dietetic management of food intake and dietary habits, with release of control and fear surrounding body image, weight and caloric consumption. This may necessitate for some inpatient treatment or outpatient therapy with counseling.
6. The goal is Progress ~ NOT perfection!

Once you decide to get serious about getting rid of the old you, and becoming like Christ, you must begin to act in new ways. You will need to let go of some old routines, develop some new habits, and intentionally change the way you think. You can be certain that the Holy Spirit will help you with these changes. The Bible says, "Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose." -- Philippians 2:12-13.

The discipline of self-control illustrates the intimate connection between God's sovereign grace and man's responsibility. Christians are challenged to exercise self-control, and the desire and power to do so are among God's "precious and magnificent promises" as gifts of His grace (2 Peter 1:4). Humbly submit to Christ, confidently rely on His power, and concentrate on doing all things for His glory.

 Guidelines For Prayer ~ Who is God?

  Excerpts from "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren, 'How We Grow'