The word addiction seems so harsh.
And yet, when everyone else flooded grocery stores in March to stock their freezer with chicken, I was in the Chick-fil-A drive-through stocking up on ice cream. Their styrofoam cups supposedly keep the ice cream fresh in the freezer for weeks. Unfortunately, I can’t prove it.
I would say that defines addiction.
Weight has been an issue for years. Some were more successful than others, as shared in my post How to Lose 14 Pounds in 8 Weeks with Weight Watchers⏤but most years have been a struggle. A thyroid issue since the age of twelve makes success harder, but not impossible.
When Lysa TerKeurst’s book, Made to Crave: Satisfying Your Deepest Desire with God, Not Food was released in 2010, I ignored it.
I wanted to find my satisfaction in God, but not to the point of choosing prayer over pastries.
The simple act of writing those words breaks my heart but it’s what God is showing me.
All summer I played hide-and-seek with my sweet cravings. I hid the fact that my struggle was much deeper than the freezer holding my ice cream. I sought God’s help, then caved to the first scent of sugar, then asked God to forgive me for my lack of self-discipline. Rinse and repeat. It’s an exhausting cycle.
So ten years after the published date, I bought the book Made to Crave and began reading. I only made it as far as the introduction before I scurried down the hall to fetch a bright yellow notebook. (Reminding me that brighter days are ahead!) Lysa’s reflective questions are worth their own space. They slip in the “back door”, tip-toe past the fridge, and lift my chin heavenwardly.
One of many WOW! moments underlined in my book:
“We can’t ignore the fact that the serpent used food as a tool in the process.” The process of the human downfall, that is.
Later, she adds, after sharing about Jesus being tempted in the desert, “Here’s the significant difference between Eve and Jesus. Eve was saturated in the object of her desire. Jesus was saturated in God’s truth.”
I could no longer run away from or ignore the truth: this was a spiritual struggle.
And I admit to debating whether or not I should write this post yet. I mean, I’m only in the third chapter of the book. What if I fall flat on my face? Or fail? Or what if the victory is short-lived?
Yes, but what if a spiritual breakthrough is just around the corner?
Either way, I want you, or someone you know, who may also be struggling with this addiction, to know they are not alone.
The desire for sugar is not whipped by any means, but my desire to crave God more than a cupcake is decided. Does this mean I’ll never wipe buttercream frosting off my nose after diving in too deep? It doesn’t. Lysa’s book is written from her journey in cutting out all sugar. And while that’s ideal, I’m confident our victory⏤mine and God’s⏤at least for now, is my cutting back to one small sweet a day.
Is there a food that whispers sweet nothings in your ear? Can you relate? If I’m not alone, lemme know. 💕
Made to Crave: Satisfying Your Deepest Desire with God, Not Food. (By purchasing the book through this link, I’ll receive some pocket change to put toward the cost of my ministry, but it does not affect your purchase price.)
Thank you for stopping by Creative Pauses from The Tiny House on the Hill!
Bi-weekly posts invite you to come in from the craziness of life, take a seat, and pause awhile, allowing your soul to be refreshed with God’s truth and promises.
Each month, subscribers of this community receive a letter from The Tiny House on the Hill that includes:
- Practical but meaningful ways to draw closer to God
- Creative ways to show God’s love to your family, friends, and strangers
- The latest happenings at the house, my books, and ministry
- What I’m reading in the Book Nook
- A favorite (often family) recipe
- A FUN giveaway…and more!
It’s pithy but packed with grace-filled goodness.
So, come on over and sit a spell. I’d love to get to know you!
© Can Stock Photo / stryjek
Thanks for being so vulnerable, Cathy. Sugar is one of my buggaboos too. I keep it under control by being careful when I’m shopping not to buy anything tempting because if I see it, I want to eat it. 😉 That’s why you’ll see me walking into an ice cream shop pretty regularly on FB. Keep on, keeping on. 😀
Thanks, Sandra. That’s what I’m doing too. I do keep Yasso bars in the freezer because they’re only 100 calories and made with yogurt (and they’re downright yummy)…but I now limit it to one a day, if I really want it, or if I don’t something else sweet. I appreciate you taking the time to share. 🙂
I know the struggle!!! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for sharing this, Tenita. 🙂 We don’t wish our struggles on others but it’s nice knowing we’re not alone. Blessings, friend!
Cathy, you know I have the same struggle…how many cupcakes have we eaten while together? I plan to get the book soon. Praying for you. Blessings, Dee Dee
I’m not sure I can count that high! 🙂 Let me know how you like the book. Thanks for the prayers!
Cathy, it’s been a long time since I read Lysa’s book, Made to Crave. Thanks for reminding me of a few of her points, especially the difference between the tempations of Eve and Jesus. I want to be saturated in the Word!
This creative writing made me smile, “They slip in the “back door”, tip-toe past the fridge, and lift my chin heavenwardly.”
The book is now part of my time with the Lord in the mornings. It truly is a spiritual battle and I do not want the enemy to gain a foothold of any sort! Thanks for taking the time to share, Karen. God bless you!
There’s far too many foods to list here Ms. Cathy, but I sure understand the struggle (says the guy who used to buy a black forest cake and two gallons of 2% milk [watch where I can] for a weekend binge). Then there’s Sugo Toscano, bbq ribs, Ms. Diane’s homemade pizza. And we won’t even mention her “Sunday Gravy” that causes me to drool at its very mention. We all have our weaknesses; and we all know that we can’t overcome them with our mere human willpower. It’s what we do in His will that helps us overcome our addictions. Now, if I can only become as addicted to His word as I am moose tracks ice cream on a warm summer evening. God’s blessings; and know I’m praying for your success my friend, however God defines it.
You’re making me hungry, J.D.! Ha!!! I’m thankful I don’t have anyone here to make me homemade pizza. 🙂 Thank you for your prayers, my friend.
Oh, sweet sugar! So delicious and you are right, addicting! I’ve had my moments (days, weeks, months, years). My favorite type of cooking is baking – the good stuff. I know I feel better when I avoid sugar (physically), but sometimes… Hugs and prayers for your journey! Thanks for sharing and being so vulnerable. I believe your boat (of sugar love) is filled with many companions!
I plan to bake with the grandkids this fall so I need to come up with a strategy. Ha! Thanks for the hugs and the prayers, Angie. I need them both. 🙂 Blessings!
You have a buttercream buddy here, and I won’t shame you for that dot on your nose. Ever so often you will find buttercream hovering over my smile. I can attest to the addiction as I discovered how sugar addiction was robbing me of life several years ago, and I took drastic action to break its drain on me. I do indulge, but remembrance of God’s deliverance from illness helps me stay the course. But man oh man…some days I could dive face-first into a birthday cake all by myself! I pray for success and good health for you, my friend. And, no, you are not alone. Cheering you forward.
Maybe we could start a support group called Buttercream Buddies! Ha!! Thanks for your continued support, sweet friend (no pun intended). 🙂 Love ya!
I gave up sugar 5 years ago, Cathy. I was not addicted just tired of being overweight and unhealthy. It was the best decision ever! Food tastes better-vegetables and fruit. I do not regret it. I do not get sick often at all. Maybe once a year. Sugar feeds all bacteria, viruses, and cancer…(Sorry, I don’t mean to preach!)
It doesn’t feel like preaching, it feels like cheering from the sidelines. 🙂 Thank you!