Are you a slave to diets? Women in general are the primary target for diets, because of the world's pressure on us to conform our bodies to a certain size and image. Diets can start off with an innocent approach to lose a few pounds, but can quickly wreck havoc on our bodies and minds. So, how do we gain freedom from the ever-compelling pull to join the next trend that promises to give us our "dream body"? What if I told you it was as simple, yet powerful as the word of God!?

Let’s talk about how the Word of God helps us walk in freedom from practical things, like dieting. Let's start with seeds. Why? Because seeds are a big deal and understanding them is pivotal to our Christian journey. Do you ever consider the importance and complexity of seeds? Likely not, but we should because the Word of God has a lot to say about them. When we honestly peel away the layers of life, all living things originate from a seed. Including you and me!

Do you know that scripture tells us that our seeds yield a harvest of either life or death? When you plant seeds (the Word) of the Spirit by faith, you reap things of the Spirit. But, when you plant carnal seeds (not necessarily sinful, just carnal, basically anything in the natural), you reap death – the death of joy, peace, hope, and purpose. It’s critically important to think about, speak, and pray for words and truth over your life to reap an overflowing harvest of blessing, victory, and freedom.

This practice is no different regarding victory over poor eating habits and operating in power to bless your body as the temple of God. Whatever you think or say, produce fruit. If you’re habitually speaking the truth of God’s Word over your life, your body has no choice but to obey and prosper. Like a tiny seed, we don’t fully understand how it can go from something so small and seemingly insignificant and grow into something solid and majestic, yet, as scripture explains, Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is like a man who scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, he sleeps and wakes, and the seed sprouts and grows, though he knows not how.

All by itself, the earth produces a crop—first the stalk, then the head, then grain that ripens within. And as soon as the grain is ripe, he swings the sickle because the harvest has come.” We may not fully understand how the power of speaking God’s Word transforms and changes us in supernatural ways. We just know that it does!

I was considering what a powerful example of this idea David provides us in scripture. As David stood before the giant Goliath, he didn’t cower. David was not terrified or dismayed. No, he was confident in his God and knew that no matter the size of his enemy or the force of his threats, the promise of his God was stronger. He believed and spoke God’s words in the face of intimidation.

Purpose in your heart to operate from the same strategy as you walk toward victory from disordered eating or body image. Determine to speak to your giant with the same tenacity and confidence as David. The power that lives in you is infinitely greater than any foe who threatens you.

Begin to speak (out loud) these promises over your life. Plant them in your mind, grow them in your heart, and nourish them in your Spirit. Declare them and allow them to wash over you until you masterfully wield the sword they are for your victory!

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So, glorify God in your body.

Luke 12:22

And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on.

Romans 12:1

I appeal to you, therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Genesis 1:27

So, God created man in his own image, in the image of God, he created him; male and female, he created them.

Philippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

1 Timothy 4:8

For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and for the life to come.

Colossians 3:5

Put to death, therefore, what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

1 Peter 3:4

But let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.

1 Corinthians 10:31

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Colossians 3:17

And whatever you do, in Word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

1 Corinthians 3:16-17

Do you not know that you are God’s temple and God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.

Revelation 1:1

The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,

3 John 1:2

Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.