By the third eye roll, I was becoming a little frustrated. She came to me for fitness coaching and when I suggested she start exercising just a couple of times a week, she responded “I can’t because of my back.” When I suggested cutting back on calories, she responded “I live by myself and it’s not possible for me to cook healthy for one person.” She said she was hoping that I would tell her something new and different, not the same old stuff. I sat quietly praying and thinking. Then I noticed her t-shirt; it was just a regular t-shirt with lots of crazy designs going on. But in the very middle was a small bubble that read “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Underneath that was Philippians 4:13 Brilliant! I said, “Read your shirt.” I’m not sure she remembered what she was wearing when she got dressed that morning. She looked down and realized what she was wearing. I asked her why she was wearing that shirt. She responded by telling me this was her favorite Bible verse and God had given her strength for many years and for many different problems: her divorce, the illness of her mother and the loss of her job. God had been the source of her strength to get through all of these hardships.
“Could it be possible that He could help you lose the weight you need to get healthy?” Yes! I think He can. I know He can. She thoughtfully considered my comment. “How do I know that He will help me? I don’t feel that my weight problem is His concern. This is my fault and I need to fix it.”
Wow! Have you ever thought the same thing? It’s true! Most of us become overweight because of consistently making unhealthy choices when it comes to food and exercise. Or we choose over-feeding our bodies as a coping strategy to manage stress. But none of that matters. What matters is that God loves us and is a very strong tower in time of need. It is His strength that we rely on when tempted to overeat or tempted just to sit and not move a muscle. We only have a limited amount of self-control and self-discipline. His control, His strength and His love are unlimited.
As we finished up our session, I prayed for this precious one to know the power of Christ in a life-changing way. And to wear the shirt!
What are you wearing?
Vicki Heath…………………………………..…………..vicki.heath@fp4h.com
First Place 4 Health National Director, American Council on Exercise, Certified Fitness Instructor, Certified Life Coach and Wellness Coordinator for her church in Edisto Beach, SC. Vicki is author of Don’t Quit Get Fit and Wellness Journey of a Lifetime. She has led a successful First Place 4 Health ministry in her church for twenty years.