We need both a physical and spiritual plan and support system for getting off sugar and refined carbohydrates. We are complex beings with a body, mind, spirit, and soul. From the Food Addiction Leads to Weight Gain and Poor Health article we understand the biochemical component of addiction to wheat and sugar. However, the spiritual component remains—that these products may be a stronghold we turn to instead of God to meet our needs. In the Five Steps to Freedom from Addiction article, a detailed five-step spiritual plan for resisting temptation was examined so you could break the cycle of addiction. Today we will return to the spiritual nature by reviewing the importance of a support system.
Accountability/Prayer Partner
HAVING A FRIEND FOR ACCOUNTABILITY WHO YOU CAN CALL WHEN TEMPTATION ARISES IS A CRUCIAL KEY TO YOUR SUCCESS.
Obtaining a support system helps address the emotional aspect of this transformation. As Ecclesiastes 4:12 tells us, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (NIV). I recommend that you ask someone to be your accountability and prayer partner.
It is validating when someone understands how we feel. Having a friend for accountability who you can call when temptation arises is a crucial key to your success. It is powerful when a friend speaks the truth in love. Pray with your friend. The security of knowing someone prays for you is comforting.
At times all of us eat unhealthy foods. When this happens, we may experience guilt and depression. Having someone pray for us during these challenges is essential to our spiritual victory. In fact, calling a friend when we feel temptation can redirect our thought process from the food.
SHARING TRIALS WITH A FRIEND HELPS DEFUSE THE BURDEN.
A friend shared the challenges she faced while she changed her eating habits. She got hungry in the afternoons, and finding a healthy snack remained difficult. I gave her suggestions and prayed with her. She decided to move her family’s dinner time earlier so she could satisfy her hunger. Sharing trials with a friend helps defuse the burden. I prayed for her many times during her transitory journey to renewed health and healing of her rosacea.