Wisdom > Weakness

by Sarah Duwe on August 25, 2021

I have a weakness. Well, several of them, actually. But there’s a big one that I will combat as long as I live: sugar.

When I feel stressed, I choose ice cream.

When I feel like I deserve a treat, I get a fountain Dr. Pepper.

When I’m bored, I bake desserts.

When I’m having a hard day, I grab candy or any other sugary treat near me.

I love it. I gotta have it. And now, unfortunately, my body craves it. I’ve withdrawn from sugar a few times (and it wasn’t pretty or easy), but I always come back to it. Why?

Because I’m a fallen human. I’m a sinner.

A treat every once in a while is acceptable but, for me, sugar is the temptation that draws me away from God.

“Everything is permissible for me” – but not everything is beneficial.” 

1 Corinthians 6:12

This Scripture was first unveiled to me when I was reading Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst. To me, sugar is permissible, but it’s not beneficial. It’s a quick fix to satisfy an instant craving or a Band-Aid that will heal what’s ailing me emotionally. But there is no genuine satisfaction there. It doesn’t “bring health to my body and nourishment to my bones” (Proverbs 3:8). That’s what I really want! I want things that are good for my body and deeply satisfying to my soul.

But I am weak, so I need guidance. I need wisdom.

Go back and read Proverbs 3:8. Do you see what’s in the verse before that?

“Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.”

Proverbs 3:7

Gosh, how many times do I try to “heal” myself with a sugar fix rather than seek truth from the Healer himself? I’m embarrassed to say it’s too many times. So, what can I do?

Godgle It!

There’s so much wisdom in Proverbs (and in the entire Bible). So, the next time I’m tempted to choose sugar over truth that’s sweet to my soul (Proverbs 16:24), I will first pray for the Holy Spirit to remind me of what I’ve been instructed (Proverbs 4:13), to turn to Him for the best path through my situation (Proverbs 3:6), and seek sound judgement and discernment (Proverbs 3:21).

“For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord.”

Proverbs 8:35

I invite you to pray for these things as well for whatever temptation you face. Share your prayer request here and/or share your tips for avoiding temptation in the comments below.

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