The Journey to Self-Denial

Practical Messages for Impractical Times

Please test your servants for ten days. Let us be given only vegetables to eat and water to drink. Daniel 1:12

My struggle to develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle has always been a daunting task. Failure after failure resulted in a “Pre-Diabetic” diagnosis in mid-life. With a maternal and paternal family history of Cardiac Disease, Diabetes and Hypertension, it was inevitable that I would suffer from these conditions. I was fatigued, moody, and experienced daily chronic pain in my lower joints.

During a visit to my Primary Care MD, he recommended a daily medication used for Diabetes with the side effect of decreased appetite. I reluctantly agreed to take the medication; however, it kickstarted my weight loss. The old saying is true-All good things come to an end. The side effect of decreased gastric motility caused me to stop the medication after one month. I was disappointed because I had lost 12lbs in 4 weeks.

God knew my desire and had another plan for the transition to a healthy lifestyle. I was reading the story of Daniel and the Hebrew boys who asked to eat a diet as opposed to the food offered by King Nebuchadnezzar. The previous knowledge of following a Vegan diet from 2007-2009 allowed me to reflect on past eating habits. In desperation, I admitted that I was weak and undisciplined, and asked God for His Divine intervention.

Fast forward one year later, I have lost 40lbs and 10 inches from my waist. I no longer suffer from chronic pain. My mood has stabilized, and I am full of energy. The most incredible changes are the loss of desiring unhealthy foods and a new body image. I am eating a plant-based diet, and have incorporated a daily walking plan which has resulted in a normal HgA1c blood level–no more Pre-Diabetes.

I have only made these changes because of my dependency on God. Being an overcomer involves praying when I am faced with the temptation of appetite. I thank God for always providing a way out when I desire foods that are harmful. It is a choice to deny what I desire. My testimony is that it is worth following God’s victorious plan for my life.

Prayer for Today: Dear God, Thank you for intervening on my behalf, in my journey for living a healthy lifestyle. As I continue on this path of self-denial, I ask for the strength to choose healthy foods. I realize the dietary instructions that you provide in the Bible are for my benefit. Please help me to overcome my unhealthy eating habits. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen

Sonya Johnson Ruiz