Struggling with eating disorders or other addictive behaviors as a Christ follower
I wasn’t allowed to eat. At least that’s what I believed. But who was making the rules?
Last week was Eating Disorders Awareness Week, which has special significance for me. For most of my early adult life, I was controlled by anorexia nervosa and bulimia. During those years, my sole purpose in life was to lose another pound. Anorexia and bulimia cost me my family, my friends, my jobs, my health, my sanity – and almost my life.
If you’re struggling with an eating disorder, please seek professional help. I did. And I thank God for the doctors, counselors and dieticians He used in my life.
An eating disorder is a serious mental health issue. But can we also admit that it’s a serious spiritual health issue, too? It was for me.
Being an eating disorder patient and a Christ follower was embarrassing and conflicting to me. I was taught I could “overcome in Jesus’ name.” But I was so not an overcomer. Yet when a counselor suggested I meditate on God’s Word, I noticed my love for God and His Word grew stronger than my “need” to lose weight.
I became more aware that I had choices. I realized that each time I resisted God’s grace – each time I refused to surrender my will – I was choosing to disobey God. When I finally recognized this sobering truth, I began making progress.
But it wasn’t easy. I suffered many setbacks. Although I had to remain under professional care for several years, God’s mercy and grace sustained me. I can now testify that I’ve been completely free from anorexia and bulimia for over 14 years. Yay, God!
Romans 6:13 (ESV) says:
Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life…
Soon we’ll celebrate Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Over 2,000 years ago Jesus suffered, died, and rose again so that, today, I can live – and eat – free from oppression. The same power that enabled Jesus to triumph over the grave, empowers me to triumph over the sin that tried to destroy me so many years ago. Hallelujah. What a Savior!
What about you?
You can use a pseudonym (fake name) when commenting.
- What sin, addiction or bad habit controls you?
- If you haven’t totally surrendered it (or your heart) to Christ, what better time to do so than now?
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It’s hard to own up to addictive behaviors. I’ve been told by psychologists that I have an addictive personality. Over-eating, binge eating, has always been a problem. I have been to Overeaters Anonymous at various times, where we were urged to admit our powerlessness and turn it over to a Power greater than ourselves. At those times in my life, I was feeling very far from God, so it didn’t do me much good.
As always, God works in ways that both surprise me and yet do not surprise me. I had been thinking about this very thing lately, and then here was your blog, Sheryl. If I needed a sign that now is the time for me to spend time God, admitting my powerlessness over my food addiction and turning my will over to Him–well, what more concrete sign could there be than your words, your testimony?
Phyllis, I am thankful for your comment. It encourages me in so many ways – mostly, that He is using my struggles to help others (you!). And rest assured, dear friend, that one day, as you continue to trust Him, God will use you to help others with their struggle, too!
Thank you for stopping by. AND please keep in touch! (I’ve missed hearing from you.)
You know all these years dealing with eating disorders
I never thought of it as a definite sin that we needed to over come. For many year I thought in my own mind food was my only friend. It wouldn’t hurt or abandon me. But after reading through your blogs I’m learning an growing to see how with Jesus I’m never alone and He is love. I failed an yes sinned through the eating behaviors but through Christ I shall one day over come.I’m thankful friends and counslor who sends me searching the word an working to change the sin. Ty for sharing helps alot.
I’m glad God is using my blog and others in your life to find help in God’s Word and in His presence, Kati. And I agree with you that one day you will overcome. I look forward to celebrating with you – and pray it will be soon!
Oh what a day that will be. In Him and victory.
Yes, indeed, Kati!