When we set out to accomplish a goal, we often make one of two errors. We either try to do everything on our own, relying on our own wisdom, strength, and ability. Or, we pray and ask God to help us, but we fail to do our part. I have found that it is only when we actively engage in a partnership with God that the impossible suddenly becomes possible. After all, He never intended us to do anything on our own, so it would be foolish to imagine that we can accomplish anything apart from Him.

One of my favorite depictions of our partnership with God is found in Matthew 14:13-21. In this passage, Jesus sent the disciples on a mission to feed five thousand men, women and children. At the time, the disciples didn’t see the logical way of doing so, as they contemplated feeding the multitude in their own strength and ability. Despite Jesus’ command to feed the people, they resorted to their own human reasoning and were getting ready to send the multitude away to find food for themselves. Jesus saw their lack of faith and told them, “That isn’t necessary. You feed them.” (paraphrased)

The disciples explained that they only had five loaves of bread and two fish, which wouldn’t nearly be enough to feed everyone. Jesus responded by telling them to bring what they had to Him. He then blessed the bread and fish and handed them back to the disciples to distribute to the people. They all ate as much as they wanted, and there was even some leftover!

This is such a beautiful display of how Jesus can take what we have and multiply our efforts, ability, and provision. We can see that although Jesus could have fed the multitudes single handedly, He involved the disciples, giving them a crucial role to play. It was only when the disciples gave Jesus what they had in their hands that He was able to bless and multiply it. Likewise, the disciples had an active role in distributing the food to the people.

This is such a powerful display of the partnership that we have with the Lord. Just like all partnerships, there is a part for each of us to play. Our part is done by inviting God to walk with us in our journey. By giving Him what we have in our hands, we are trusting Him to help us in our areas of weakness.

Inviting God into our situation can be done through prayer, spending time with Him, listening to and obeying Him, and continually seeking His wisdom every step of the way.As we seek God for guidance, I believe that it pleases him greatly. He always responds by sending help from the Holy Spirit, who is our guide, counselor, and friend.

This specifically applies to living a healthy lifestyle, as it requires wisdom from God, but also our obedience and cooperation. For example, we are the ones that must make the choice to buy nutritious groceries, lace up our tennis shoes, and make healthy choices when dining out. As we ask for wisdom in how to care for our bodies, and act on what He is leading us to do, He is able to bless and multiply our efforts!

We can also pray and ask the Holy Spirit to give us wisdom to know when we have had enough and when our bodies are properly nourished. Through this simple act, we are putting food in its proper place and viewing our meal time as an expression of worship. Presenting our bodies as a sacrifice of worship unto the Lord brings a sense of thankfulness in our hearts. It is in this place of worship that He is able to satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts and lift any of the emotional burdens that we may be carrying. We can see in Isaiah 55:1-2 that Jesus Himself invites us to find nourishment in Him:

“Is anyone thirsty?

Come and drink—

even if you have no money!

Come, take your choice of wine or milk—

it’s all free!

Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength?

Why pay for food that does you no good?

Listen to me, and you will eat what is good.

You will enjoy the finest food.”

God’s Word tells us that Jesus came to set the captives free (Luke 4:18). If you believe this promise, you can believe that He will set you free from any kind of disordered eating or unhealthy habits. Seek Him for wisdom on how to care for your body, and set healthy boundaries that will help you safeguard your freedom. As you worship the Lord and make Him your refuge, you will find that His presence fills you in a way that food never could. He loves you right where you are, right this very moment, and He is inviting you to taste and see that He is good!

{This is an excerpt from my book Nourish. In Nourish I share encouragement and practical knowledge for living a healthy lifestyle in addition to providing a balance of spiritual and physical nourishment. To learn more go to www.NourishBook.com}