Finishing the work

Last night I went to church. Not sure why I went at only a slight suggestion I go, but felt God's prompting. Never mind that I knew there would be sweet fellowship afterwards, but I felt the need to go to the actual sermon. Two things other than the above-mentioned fellowship hit me as I thought about the evening on the way home last night.

First, God's artwork was incredible ... because I had no change of clothes to go to the gym, I walked at Corona del Mar at sunset. WoW. I wish I had my camera, it would have been awesome to be able to post a picture. I was at first bummed that it was a little smoggy, but the interesting thing is that it made the sunset even more powerful. There were TONS of people there, I wasn't the only one enjoying the picture.

Second, the sermon. It was very inspirational. I've been feeling tired lately. Not physically, but mentally and emotionally fatigued. I guess it's that time of year... I seem to get very tired mentally and emotionally every six months, June and December it seems. Right now the phase is just I’m so tired of healthy foods. Maybe why I didn’t have an issue going to restaurants and ordering something small when I’m with the group (I'll probably still go from time to time, but I won't order anything when I do go starting today). I’m just weary in doing ‘good’ – I just don’t want to deal with it anymore. Of course I am limited as to how bad I can be in terms of volume, but not with the choice of foods… in other words I have noticed a lot of stress eating patterns popping up again. But that has changed as last night.

Pastor Brian Broderson spoke instead of Pastor Chuck and he began the book of Philippians. Pastor Brian began talking about how comforting Philippians 1:6 is. Philippians 1:6 says "6And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.". He said it is comforting because of the completion part of it and referenced Hebrews 12:2-3 "2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." There again, is the "so that you will not grow weary" phrase. How awesome is that? Christ WILL finish the work and it isn't just a fad for him to work on us or work in us. He pointed out that in verses like Isaiah 40:31 people will get weary. People will move on when something gets too hard to do. However, as Isaiah says in verse 28, God is EVERLASTING and the CREATOR and his understanding is UNSEARCHABLE. That is beyond my comprehension. How can something, in the age of the internet, be UNSEARCHABLE? :)

There were many other points he made last night, but the part about completion is the one that hit me the most. Yes, God provided me a way out of my morbid obesity… he even completely changed my way of thinking and I see myself as He sees me 99% of the time. But just because I am weary does not mean HE is weary of me changing. And for me to just give up after the blood, sweat and tears is ridiculous. There were other verses Pastor Brian referenced I have to highlight as well but decided to separate them from the points I summarized above.

Isaiah 40:31 is one of the two verses as to why I have adopted the nickname for my blogs of “weightonhim”. The twin, at least in my book, is Matthew 11:28-30 “28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." This is especially comforting. It renewed my strength to behave today and not have anything I shouldn’t have. Even at dinner I will just have onion soup… my new favorite Creole onion soup at The Jazz Kitchen at Downtown Disney.

And this one: 1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” I have found three very good friends to send a txt message to when I am tempted. But I think I will also plaster this verse on my computer.

Isaiah 43:18-19 says "18Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old.19 Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." This is the final verse that gives me comfort. It was not referenced, but gives me comfort whenever I feel anxiety when in new situations and settings. Isaiah 43:18-19 I have known about since junior high when Toby Mac talked about his favorite scripture in one of those teeny-bopper magazines. Regardless of how I feel and how much I resist or how much I kick against the goads, “God is doing a Nu Thang” (forgive the dcTalk reference!!!) in me and I just have to rest in His presence. What an amazing comfort and even more amazing promise from God.