fbpx

Coming Face to Face with My Addiction to Sugar

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.)

{Lysa TerKeurst}

Arrow divider

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

Are you a member of the Creative Pauses community?

 

Sign up for Cathy's monthly newsletter to join our community and receive the latest seasonal gifts, posts, behind-the-scenes information, creative resources, and giveaways!

Unsubscribe at any time.

Welcome to the Creative Pauses community! Make yourself right at home.

Pin It on Pinterest