Happy Monday!
I don’t know about you, but there have been many times in my life that I would start something and it just never seemed to work out. I have probably tried every diet on the market and a few that weren’t.
Maybe it was a blessing in disguise that those didn’t work so well. Most of us, who have tried every diet, have come to the realization that diets usually don’t work. They can also do more harm than good. Healthy lifestyle changes work better, but even then, for me, it doesn’t work if I am trying to do it on my own.
I think what really interested me with The Daniel Plan is the fact that it is based on five essentials, Faith, Food, Fitness, Focus and Friends. Stop and think about that.
Faith – the belief that God is with you and if He is with you, you are never alone. Ever. He is there to support you, guide you and love you, even when you don’t feel lovable.
Food – that’s a big one. You can’t just quit cold turkey. You have to eat, so it requires a new way of thinking and that isn’t easy if you don’t have the faith and you’re relying on yourself only!
Fitness – yeah, I just had to bring that up, didn’t I. Surprisingly, it is something you come to appreciate and even enjoy! First, the exercise that is best for you is the one you will do. If it’s something you hate, you will never stick to it. If it something you will never be able to do right, you will never stick to it. Whether it is pickleball, golf, running walking or chair exercises, do what you can, and will, do. Your body will thank you.
Focus – Make a game plan, ask God about that plan (then listen for an answer) and focus on implementing that plan. Not just the first day, but every day. It does require focus.
Friends – It may be last, but it certainly isn’t least! This is such an important part of any plan. The moral support is priceless and knowing you are not in it alone is too. You will bond and build strong, lasting friendships that go beyond just meeting or casual phone calls.
We will start a new season of The Daniel Plan soon. We are now four and half years into this. When God tells me it’s time to move on, that’s what we will do, meanwhile, we remain The On and Oners. I wouldn’t trade one minute of it.
Pray Unceasingly!!
In His light,
Lois
Living God’s Way
The Daniel Plan
But what happens when we live God’s way? … We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely. —Galatians 5:22 MSG
Living God’s way, empowered by his Holy Spirit, leads us to become increasingly willing to stick with things. It also helps us marshal and direct our energies wisely. Those two qualities (other translations use the words “patience” and “self-control”) are invaluable for developing a healthier lifestyle.
Consider exercise, for instance. If you ask God to fill you with his Holy Spirit, the Spirit will truly enable you to be more willing to stick with finding movement you enjoy. If you need help to stick with a healthy eating plan, the Spirit will provide that help. All you have to do is ask and then go into your activity or your meal plan expecting God to empower you.
Food for Thought: Without forcing yourself, you can develop the willingness to stick with the things that lead to a flourishing life. Choosing to live God’s way and depending on his Holy Spirit will enable you to do it.