Made to Crave

"Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you will I wait all the day long" Psalm 25:5

This year I have had the desire to increase the amount of reading I was (or wasn't) doing.  I especially wanted to increase my Bible reading but also read more books by Christian authors.  One day I was listening to K-Love while working in my classroom. In between singing at the top of my lungs (thank the Lord the rest of the school could not hear me, lol) the radio announcers began discussing a book they were currently reading: Made to Crave.  The title immediately caught my attention.  Their discussion centered around how we as Christians have the ultimate support system in our strongholds, GOD!  As I worked and listened, the more I wanted this book.

After purchasing the book, I immediately dove right in.  The message behind the book is to not let food, weight,working out or our skinny jeans be our stronghold.  If we try to find happiness in those things we will set ourselves up for failure.  When we let failure get root in our hearts and minds we are letting Satan win. This was one of those WOW moments for me while I was reading.  The author, Lysa TerKeurst write that we are made to crave however "we'll have to redirect our cravings to God.".  Mark 8:34 "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." Lysa adds "with Jesus, if we want to gain, we must give up. If we want to be filled, we must deny ourselves.  If we want to truly get close to God, we'll have to distance ourselves from other things."  This was such an easy read.  It will definitely change your perspective on making sure God is the center of your hearts desires.

I really loved this book.  It is amazing all the lessons God can teach your through a book designed to give you a biblical perspective to healthy living.  I really learned that I had a stronghold with certain friends in my life. I really had to pray and seek Gods face to know whether or not they should be in my life.  Instead of having my pity party of one I had to rely on God's strength to follow His will. While following His will in this situation I have left myself feeling weak however, "weakness is hard, but doesn't have to mean defeat.  It is my opportunity to experience God's power firsthand."

This book was eye opening.  I am so glad that God identified the strongholds in my life and is still doing so.  It is a daily battle to not let Satan win.  I must daily get up "take up my cross, and follow Him."  My prayer this year has been "Lord, use me".  I pray that by letting go of the strongholds in my life, that will be true.

:) Kristin