So, I’ve taken care of the cancer thing, got myself a semi-new do, got new specs and contacts, eating more fruits and veggies, stopped drinking soda, started drinking more water again. I took a portion of the money saved from not buying a soda or two or three a day and joined a gym. I have been working out regularly. The result? I’ve gained eight pounds.

What the …? What’s a girl got to do to drop a pound or twenty? This is so annoying.

After I last wrote about my weight loss problem, I had an “ah ha” moment. It suddenly occurred to me that this area had always been, by far, the easiest part of my life. I never had to worry about being overweight or think much about what I ate. Now that my body is continuing to be cantankerous, I’m just ticked. Why has the one thing that’s never been a problem, become such a problem? Especially after enduring such a long season of nothing but problems? Come on, can’t I just have this one good thing with no frustrating struggle?

Despite the seeming lack of results, I have a small new spring in my step. I’m proud of myself because I go to the gym when I’d really rather not. I feel stronger and have a smidge more energy than usual. My body feels like it’s reshaping in a positive way—even if nobody can see it. I think I may even feel a teeny tiny shift in how my jeans fit, but I can’t be altogether sure if it’s from working out or because I haven’t washed them after a couple of wears. I’m hoping the weight I’ve just gained is muscle that will burn and zap the extra fat right out of me.

It’s all a bit like stepping out in faith. I’m doing what I know has to be done, believing the promises of a better future shape, but as of this moment, appearance tells me nothing. If anything, it seems the exact opposite of what is supposed to happen is happening. It would be really encouraging if I could see a change in the right direction. But I don’t. I just have to believe the promise and keep pushing on, knowing that one day I will receive the fruits of acting with belief on the promise.

Are you enduring through a time when you know that you know that you know God promised you something? And everything seems to be happening in direct opposition? Grab hold of that promise and don’t let go. It will get you up and going when you’d rather not. The promise is the hand that reaches down and pulls you up so you can dust yourself off and say one more time, “OK, let’s do this.” Even though you may not see the end result of His promise yet, God is at work and you are being changed from the inside out. Persevere friend,  one day you will receive His promise and be amazed by His goodness.

Consider it a sheer gift when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.
James 1:2-4 (The Message)