The God Nudge

 

Life is full of nudges.  A nudge is a gentle push to get someone’s attention or prodding someone into action.  Your husband may nudge you to slow down the spending, your children may try to nudge you to take them somewhere, your boss may nudge you into getting a report done or a stranger may nudge you to watch out for that car.  Sometimes we ignore the nudge, sometimes we really do leap into action.  But a nudge from God… well, that’s something entirely different.  God can allow things to happen, even painful things, to get our attention, to nudge us into a more desirable outcome.  God is watching out for our best interests.

In my last blog, I wrote about my having “plantar fasciitis” which is where the tendons on the bottom of my feet are shredded.  The pain has continued over several months little healing and relief.  The bottom line, I can’t walk very long without pain.   I’ve read every website there is on the topic and the words “weight bearing” kept coming up.  On top of that, I can’t slip my clothes on, they are too tight and I’m starting to buy larger sizes.   I don’t feel comfortable wearing a bathing suit anymore, and I don’t have the high energy I used to have.  I’m starting to look bigger in pictures, videos and mirrors.  Hmm, what could all this mean?  Sometimes we humans aren’t too bright, or we really know the answer and live in denial of the truth we know.  The truth is, I need to lose weight.

I’ve never had to lose weight before, so I embark on a long journey suffering the roads of self-denial and no chocolate.  I officially started the South Beach Diet a week ago and have already had to live through eating meats, fish, chicken and vegetables – that’s it.  I have another week to go for Stage 1 of the diet and then I can start eating some whole grain breads and fruits again.  This really isn’t a diet; it’s a whole new way of eating – for life.  My husband has come along side me and is on the diet as well.  At least we are experimenting and enjoying new recipes.  

I mentioned my going on a diet to my bible study group and before I knew it, they were praying over me asking God to give me the strength to lose the weight.  I am thankful for such a prayerful group and I know God has orchestrated all of this.  Of course everyone is finding out now.  The next thing you know, there will be a billboard on I-20 saying “Sharon’s on a Diet”.  Its funny when people know you are dieting, they begin to offer you things they know (and you know) you can’t eat.  Things like candy, cakes, pies, pizza, snacks, chocolate and more.  I think they are just testing your resolve as they bring the plate right under your nose.  Sometimes they’ll say, “Man, you got willpower”.  It isn’t me, it’s God, because I couldn’t do it by myself.  God is with me and has given me the fortitude to stand strong.  If Daniel in the Bible could eat vegetables for a few weeks, so can I.

Without good health, how can a Christian be the hands and feet for God?  How can we have any pockets of energy for Him?  We have to take care of the body He loaned to us, the temple, this tent we wear.  So I embark on a long journey and when I reach the end of the road, to my ideal weight, I know God will be pleased.  Mississippi food is outstanding but it has also has contributed to an extra 35 lbs onto this little frame.  Please pray for me as I take the road that perhaps you have already taken. 

Perhaps God has been nudging you to do something, to take action but you’ve been ignoring the signs.  You’ve been given the same bible verse several times but you haven’t been listening to your master.  I pray that He doesn’t get your attention in a painful way, as He has dealt with me.  I pray you can discern His nudging and prompting today.

The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. 

Proverbs 15:31