Today’s Post By: Rae Lynn DeAngelis
“O unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you?” (Mark 9:19)
When I was struggling to overcome my twenty-five year bondage to bulimia, I faced a long uphill battle, but I didn’t face it alone. God was by my side every step of the way. I can’t image trying to overcome something like an eating disorder without the strength and support of our Heavenly Father.
Although I didn’t go through the traditional means of recovery, such as through a doctor or therapist, I did have the Great Physician and Wonderful Counselor, Jesus Christ. I also had the support of godly women who encouraged me and spoke truth into my life. Throughout my recovery process, God’s most effective ministering came to me through the study of His Word. He used two bible studies to guide my journey to freedom – Breaking Free and Believing God – both by Beth Moore. These bible studies became instrumental in my healing process.
Breaking free from a stronghold is difficult. It feels as though you are a prisoner in your own body, unable to break free from the chains that bind you. Thankfully, God helps us find the key to unlock our prison door. I found my key to freedom in the book of Mark, chapter nine. It was the story where a man brings his demon possessed son to Jesus to be healed.
“Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:21-24)
As soon as I read this passage I realized that, like the boy’s father, I had some unbelief in my heart. I believed God could and had healed other people but I didn’t really believe God could or would be able to heal me.
“The longest journey a man must take is the eighteen inches from his head to his heart.” ~Unknown
Is this ever true! My head and heart were miles apart, especially when it came to breaking free from my eating disorder.
The disciples later ask Jesus why they were not able to drive the demon out of the boy, themselves, and Jesus replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.” (Mark 9:28-29)
Recognizing my own unbelief, I began praying every day…God, help me overcome my unbelief.
Guess what? He did, and little by little I began trusting Him. Finally I said, alright God, I’m going to take you at your Word here and believe you can heal me. Of course He was always capable; He was just waiting for me to believe it! Since that day it has no longer been my burden to carry. I have given it over to God – the only one capable of taking it from me.
Perhaps there is something you are struggling to overcome. Is it possible that you have unbelief buried deep within? Take that long journey from your head to your heart and just like me, God will help you overcome your unbelief – I promise!
I can’t tell you how much your blog is encouraging me. I too have had bulimia for 25 years, and its hold on me is still so strong. But three years ago I gave my life back to God after a long period of running away from Him, and now I am trying to walk the long road to recovery. It’s slow and painful, but I won’t give up. Thank you for this post today – it means a lot to me.
I feel so much compassion for you, Tamlyn, because I know how difficult it is to break free from an eating disorder – especially one that has plagued us for so long. Unlike other addictions, we still have to eat. The manner in which God helped me break free from my 25 year bondage is absolutely true. I had to get to that place where I BELIEVED God could set me free. I didn’t believe it at first, so I prayed everyday for God to help me overcome my belief. It didn’t happen overnight, but I can tell you that little by little He did. “Little by little I will drive them out before you, until you have increased enough to take possession of the land.” (Exodus 23:30) God doesn’t remove our bondage all at once because He knows that we would not be strong enough and might allow some other bondage to take its place. “The LORD your God will drive out those nations before you, little by little. You will not be allowed to eliminate them all at once, or the wild animals will multiply around you.” (Deuteronomy 7:22) If we are not strong enough, Satan will tempt us to enter some other form of addiction. Keep trusting God and pray every day for Him to help you overcome your unbelief.
Here is another Scripture that was instrumental in my healing. “One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” (John 5:5-6) This passage was also crucial to me breaking free. Because eating disorders are self-inflicted they are more difficult to treat and overcome. We must truly WANT to get well. It sounds like you have already overcome this hurdle and you do want to get well. Do you have a support system in place? Accountability is extremely important. Satan has power when things are kept a secret. Expose the secrecy and he loses a whole lot of power over your eating disorder.
Please know that I will be praying for you, Tamlyn. Thank you so much for sharing how this post has touched you. God will give you the strength to break free. Keep your eyes on Jesus; He will never leave or forsake you. Focus on God’s Truth, because the Truth will set you free. “Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32)
In closing, remember this… God has a plan for your life. His plans are to prosper – not harm. Never give up! “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity.” (Jeremiah 29:11-14)
Trusting HIM,
Rae Lynn DeAngelis
Founder/President
Living in Truth Ministries