"Pisteuo"

The Word of today is " Pisteuo." I can't even pronounce it, but it is the Greek word for believed. It means "to be firmly persuaded as to something, to believe... with the idea of hope and certain expectation."

In my Bible study today's theme was simply asking if I really, really, really believe God can remove the obstacle that is hindering me from having the abundant, spirit-filled life God has for me. I don't mind being honest by telling you my obstacle. It is the addiction of sugar. Do I believe He can remove my desire to rely on it when I am stressed out? I know it when it's happening; I really do. The other day I was trying to install some window treatments. I was very frustrated. Very frustrated! Anyway, I stopped what I was doing and had a handful of these chocolate rocks that were sitting on the shelf. (If I was a smoker I would have gone outside to have a cigarette!) I thought they would calm me down, especially if I stepped away from the project for a minute to regain my composure. I have to tell you that as I look back, they did help; but was it the chocolate or just getting away to breathe for a minute?

For quite some time now, I have believed God in the major areas of my life. I have trusted He has known what He was doing through my divorce (Glorifying Him while initiating an intimate relationship with Him) and in losing my sister, parents and brother. I am 100% confident it was for God's Glory to be revealed and most personally for me to trust that my loved-ones are waiting for me when I join them, plus trusting God to be with me every step of the way until I get there. I also believe Him in my marriage... daily!

But... I have had a problem trusting Him with the little areas that don't seem as important. Most people wouldn't think I have a problem with sugar. I mean, seriously. Don't laugh. It doesn't appear by my picture that I have issues with it since I'm not overweight. Yes, I have my muffin-top but it could be a lot worse! It's annoying and sometimes in my head it is just as big as the major stuff. Sugar is a hard one. It isn't like I'm hooked on drugs or alcohol, but it's my drug of choice. It somehow sounds almost cute to be addicted to chocolate chip cookies, right? Well not if you learn what it can do to me. I have learned how it affects my shaky family history. I have a friend with a similar family history who once told me that it's like he is walking on an ice cube and a banana peel. I feel the same way. I have to be careful.

It's time for me to start getting "Pisteuo." I am going to choose to believe and be firmly persuaded with hope and expectation that I can conquer my addiction with His help. I really, really, really want to rely on Him to calm me down and be with me daily in the little things.

By faith,
Angie