I have found through the experiment of the AIP diet, and then the subsequent fail of staying on it, that my story may not be the miracle some are hoping to hear, but it may just be the hope others are needing to hear.
Queen Esther. She is my hero. I want to be like her. To be given a grand stage and opportunity to make a difference. I am willing to give my life and with her say, "If I perish, I perish!". But this is not the HOPE to which I have been called. Rather, my journey is one of perseverance. And so I look to the promise of Romans 5:3-5, "And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings perseverance; and perseverance proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." And so, my journey is a...
Holy
Opportunity to
Patiently
Endure.
My prayer has been for a greater faith and for Christ to be formed in me. So, why am I now crying foul when I am asked to follow in His steps of suffering? (1 Peter 2:21) If Jesus was perfected through suffering and I am not greater than my master, should I expect anything less? (Hebrews 2:10, John 13:16)
"7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; 8 we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. 11 For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 16 Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. 17 For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, 18 while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:7-11, 16-18)
God has given me a way to feel better, the AIP diet. It works while I abide by it, but it takes perseverance. When I rebel and choose the momentary pleasure of certain foods, I receive the due pain and discomfort. I cry out to be delivered from my affliction and this is what I hear my God saying, "Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin." (James 4:17) And, "If I told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?" (John 3:12) This is the grace of my God.
He is teaching me to trust Him. For, if I can't accept and obey what is obviously good for my physical well being, because it is hard and contrary to what "everyone else is doing", how will I accept and obey what is good for my eternal well being, which is of greater worth? (2 Peter 1:6-9) He cares too much to let me go on making mud pies in a slum, when He knows the glory that awaits!
And so, until the day I meet Him face to face and receive my glorified body, I will walk in obedience to what He shows me and faithfully endure for the glory of His Name. Yes, Jesus is worth more to me than chocolate. "For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day." And who knows, maybe someday I'll get a "holiday at sea". :)
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