designed for life women's conference

This past weekend I attended the Designed for Life Women’s Conference at JQH Arena in Springfield, MO. It was a power-packed event – not just because of the world-class speakers – Robert Madu, Holly Wagner, and Julia A’Bell – but because God spoke.

Each message I heard challenged me, but one in particular stood out from the rest. It was a session with Julia A’Bell (Hillsong Church, Australia) entitled “Your Future is Now.”

When Julia was younger, she wanted to be a successful point guard, so she worked hard to sharpen her skills. Every day after school, Julia practiced dribbling the basketball in her garage – first with her right hand for 30 minutes and then with her left for even longer (because her left hand was weaker). Over time, Julia got good – really good – and was able to achieve her goal.

But in order for Julia to reach her preferred future – being exceptional in her sport instead of average – she had to make a choice. Actually, she had to make a series of choices, day after day. Julia learned to travel the difficult path of discipline. She traded afternoons with friends for hours alone in the garage. Bounced a ball instead of watching television. Pushed forward instead of giving up.

Julia’s story made me think about my goals. What things do I want to see happen in my life? And what choices do I need to make to get there?

I have several goals that I envision to be part of my preferred future, such as more date nights with my husband, for our daughters to love the Lord and His Word, and to travel on more outdoor adventures as a family. But there’s one area of my life that keeps tripping me up – my body.

When I look in the mirror, I don’t recognize the person I see. It’s not me. It doesn’t feel like me, either. No longer do I jump out of bed in the morning, eager to start my day. Now I sort of roll off my mattress and slowly put my feet on the floor. I feel old and sluggish, and I don’t like it. Not one bit. The extra 10 pounds I’m carrying right now feels like 50. My preferred future, which is getting back to my “normal” size, seems like a huge mountain in the distance. I feel as if I’ll never get there.

I exercise regularly and make nutritious food choices (most of the time), but I can’t seem to lose the extra pounds. Even though I’ve never struggled with my weight, I’ve found it increasingly difficult to stay fit as I’ve gotten older. I don’t like the fact that I’m getting fluffy and soft! Some people might blame my new shape on hormones. After all, I’m in my 40s now, and supposedly a female’s body chemistry goes wacko in this season of life. I could use that excuse for my excess baggage, but I won’t. I take full responsibility for my actions.

But I wonder, How did I get here?

The answer is simple: By taking one step at a time . . . in the wrong direction.

Over the past few months, I’ve been slowly sliding into a pit of despair because of this whole weight thing. A thick blanket of shame has covered me. I’ve been crying out to God, desperate for answers. Desperate for change.

During Julia’s session, she shared a simple truth I needed to hear: “God will help you with the changes you need to make now to experience your preferred future!”

Since the conference, the Lord has given me insight into how to reduce the inflammation in my body. 

• Stay away from foods that are problematic for me: gluten, corn products, grains, chocolate, sugar, and nuts (especially peanuts).
• Drink six to seven 8-oz glasses of water each day.
• Stop eating a snack after dinner (when I’m not hungry but want something sweet).
• Get back on track with strength training (3-4 times per week).
• Discipline myself to eat slowly and to stop eating when I’m nearly full.
• Recognize the temptation to eat when stressed and choose to do something else instead (like pray!).

What is your preferred future? Maybe you want get healthier and lose a few pounds (or a lot). Or perhaps the extra weight you’re carrying isn’t physical at all. Your marriage is falling apart and you don’t know what to do. Your child is far from God and doesn’t seem interested in spiritual things. You battle an addiction to alcohol or drugs. Whatever your struggle, you need to know that you can break free from patterns of sin. Your situation is not hopeless and not beyond God’s ability to heal. 

The transformation you desire begins with one step – a move toward God. When you turn to the Lord, He will show you the way to go. He’ll provide everything you need to pursue the wonderful plans He has for your life. “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope” (Jer. 29:11 NLT).

Today you can turn your back on negative self-talk and listen to what God says about you.

Today you can refuse to be immobilized by discouragement and defeat.

Today you can stop trying to make strides in your own strength and lean on the Lord’s power.

Today you can choose a different path.

Today you can decide to take the steps necessary to achieve your dreams.

So, what are you waiting for? Get moving! Your future starts NOW!

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