SIDE BY SIDE
Just one thing: Live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind, working side by side for the faith that comes from the gospel, not being frightened in any way by your opponents. This is a sign of destruction for them, but of your deliverance—and this is from God.
1. LIVE WORTHY
You and I are often under the impression that we are trudging through life alone. Outside of our much needed support systems, spouses, and best friends, the core of disease affects us personally. Although we know others have similar afflictions and circumstances, the impact of it actually occurring right now, in my life, at this time, is almost consuming. Nothing prepares us for the unthinkable, because it is not normal to pursue thoughts of disease or infallibility. So, when the dreaded word of cancer, heart disease, diabetes (you fill in the blank) is presented our reaction is: Total shock, followed quickly by fierce denial.
Granted, no one else is in your skin, knows your deepest fears, or understands your uncertainty in processing news. You know it happens every day to millions of people, but today…. it affects you. There is a price for daily choices instant gratification cannot pay but only accrue. Mounting interest escalates into the bankruptcy of nutrient depleted cells and a fight to maintain balance. But wait! There is good news! Not only is the gospel of grace for your spiritual benefit it also empowers you to make better choices for living well. Paul says “live worthy” implying a strength for resisting physical temptations as inherent in the life of believers.
Resilience is in your Devine design. God made your body and every nutrient in the garden with the capability to restore and reboot dying cells. He also gave you the Holy Spirit to become a new person, with new values, and a new desire to please God.
2. STAND FIRM
So, with that determination in mind, you and I can stand firm on the strength of God’s word to fill our grasping souls with His Word and His provision of antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and protein in the tasty creations from our grocer’s garden (or our own). The plentiful fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and lean (minimally processed) meats are at our fingertips. Stand frim in faith and hope in our Lord Jesus to sustain the needs of our minds; quelling the anxious thoughts of fear with reassurance. All the while, filling the void of emptiness with peace and comfort; no preservative laden oatmeal cream pie can fill! He is with us always, even until the end of the age. Isn’t it comforting to know we can lean on Him through times of uncertainty?
3. WORK SIDE BY SIDE
But we don’t have to do it alone! We have the help of our coach and a network of people working side by side to cheer us along the way. Encouraging us in those daily victories, pulling us out of that sense of defeat, and LISTENING to our struggles. Facing temptations head on with prayer allows us a chance to step back from a situation, reevaluate, and pursue a stronger option. Prayer and scripture memory effectively renew the mind with the strength of the Holy Spirit! He is also there with us, working side by side; guiding, counseling, comforting. Even if we are not feeling His presence today, all we have to do is ask!
Luke 11:13 says, “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.” God wants to be first in our lives; over food, sweets, material things, jobs, and even family. The reward is such amazing contentment, we won’t know how to react!
- Practical ways to apply this today:
- Pray
- Drink 8-12 ounces of water. Especially if I just ate a full meal two hours ago and I couldn’t possibly be hungry. (This applies unless otherwise instructed by your doctor)
- Move every 30 minutes. If you have a desk job, just getting up to stretch your legs and walking 20-30 ft. every half an hour helps blood flow to your extremities and return to your brain. It helps your mind focus better, while stimulating your metabolism. As well as giving your eyes a rest from the computer. So many benefits from one small move!
May God bless you and keep you as we live worthy, stand frim, and work side by side! We will be successful in rebuilding our cells to strengthen us mentally, while healing physically; repairing our bodies bite by bite to their fullest potential. I’ll be praying for both of us!