I can recall specific moments where God shows me who He is and reminds me that I am His. These moments remind me that Jesus is better than all worldly things, even the things that make me comfortable. 

One afternoon,  I was upset and aggravated by things that were happening. Or, rather, not happening how I expected them. My husband was with me and tried to console with kind and encouraging words. But, I wasn’t really listening because I was still upset and frustrated. We were heading out for lunch, so he asked what I would like to eat. I  passionately told him, “Oh, I would just love to have a BIG order of cheese fries right now!”

As soon as I said this, I felt the Lord ask me, “Why are you turning to food for comfort rather than turning to me for comfort?” 

Ouch. That question stopped me in my tracks. I know that He didn’t mean to humiliate or condemn me. He wanted to remind me that He is my Heavenly Daddy and He wants to comfort me, dry my tears,  heal me, and help me see things how He sees them. He was reminding me that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are much better than cheese fries will ever be.

 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”   Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)

Don’t get me wrong. Food is not bad. Cheese fries aren’t bad. But God knows my history with food and running to it for comfort instead of Him. He knows this habit or running to food for comfort kills me spiritually, physically, and mentally. God knows the health journey that I have been on for the past four years to get healthy, inside and out.

It’s ok to feel our feelings, but when we let those feelings overtake our identity and turn to things other than God, that’s when we need to stop, re-evaluate what we’re thinking and doing. In this situation, my mind was telling me that cheese fries would make me feel better. However, I actually felt peace and comfort when I turned to God. I really needed Him, not the fries.

So, this question didn’t come from a place of shame, but a place of love. The Lord wants to be my Comforter. The One who I turn to when I’m annoyed, hurt, aggravated, upset, or whatever I am feeling. And He is exactly who I need.

Jesus is so much better than any worldly thing. Most definitely better than cheese fries. Even the ones smothered with different cheeses and chili on top. Jesus will ALWAYS be better. The enemy will try to use the simple things to take us away from our God-given identity. His love is greater. His love is deeper. His love heals.

What do you do when you are stuck between choosing God or something else? Choosing God over what is easy, comfortable, or sinful takes practice. Here are a few steps that work for me: 

1. Stop and breathe. Become aware of your thoughts and feelings.
2. Think about what is really going on and ask yourself some hard questions. Is this decision something Jesus would choose for me? Are these thoughts from God? Is this taking me away from God or is it leading me closer to Him? It’s easy for things, even thoughts, to become an idol without us realizing it.
3. Renew your mind with God’s truth. We have to continuously renew our minds and renew our hearts to conform to the image of Christ. Pray and ask the Lord for help to identify these strongholds and His transforming power to renew you.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2 (NIV)

I pray this prayer when I need to remember that Jesus is better than anything else.

Lord, give me eyes to see as You see. Let me see others as you see them. Let my heart be like your heart. Let me always love and forgive like you. Lord, let me be more like you. 

Today, I pray this prayer for all of you, as well.

In the comments below, share about a situation where you chose God over something else, or someone else. What did you learn? How did God show up?

Stephanie Repnyek is a wife, mama, daughter, and friend living in NC with her husband, Paul, and their fur baby. She is also a Fitness Teacher Gospel Preacher (Platoon 18) and a photographer who loves helping people and encouraging others in life. You can follow her on Facebook or her photography website.

Thank you for reading the Revelation Wellness Blog! The live 31 Days of Weight Loss God’s Way Challenge is over, but you can still purchase the WLGW Program for $19 until February 11, 2020 (the price increases to $29 on 2/12/2020)! Find a friend and lose “weight” His way for 31 days!

Workout with us in this #wednesdayworkout! For more workouts like this, visit RevWell TV!

RON’S MOBILITY & STRENGTH – “JESUS IS GREATER”

Let’s just get back to the joy of movement, shall we? You will enjoy reconnecting with the various ways God has created our bodies to move. Do this workout with great purpose in heart, mind, and body – your inner strength will come alive! (ALL LEVELS) (MARK 10:27; YOGA MAT)