While I have tried many diets over the last 30 years, I always went back to my old way of eating and gained all my weight back once the diet ended. In February 2016, I was discouraged about where my weight was and knew I wanted to make a lifestyle change, but had tried so many other things, I wasn't interested in yet another diet. As I was reading my Bible one morning, Psalm 107:13-14 jumped out at me – "Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble and He saved them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness and the deepest gloom and broke away their chains." I knew God had heard my prayer and discouragement and was going to break away the chains that were keeping me from complete freedom in Christ. As a believer, I had walked in freedom in so many others things, but food was an idol I clung to and would not sacrifice. I kept telling myself it didn't really matter to God what I ate or how much I ate, but in my Spirit, I knew otherwise. I asked God to break those chains and the next day I saw Grace and Strength on the internet – this was no coincidence. I knew God was leading me to it as I read about their program that addresses not only the body but, more importantly, the spirit.

Soon I was signed up and on a journey that would change my life. My sweet coach, Allison, is perfect for me. She is patient and kind and encouraging and profoundly wise. I always had so much to think about after our weekly meetings. I have learned (and am still in the process) of learning to be content in all things and to be grateful for where God has me. I never want to long for more than what God has given me but to be content in Him. While I learned to eat food that is beneficial for my body and in the process was able to lose weight I never thought I could, the intimacy with Jesus I experienced through this journey makes me never want to go back to the wilderness I was in. In the past, I have counted the days until I am finished with a diet and can eat my "comfort" foods, but now I crave healthy food that God has created for me to eat and enjoy and look to Him to fill any cravings beyond true hunger.

So, yes, the weight loss has been a wonderful result and the reason I joined Grace and Strength in the first place, but the breaking free from the idolatry of food and walking now without shame or guilt has been the greatest reward. God broke the iron chains in my life through Grace and Strength Lifestyle and I am thankful He did!

Jeanette

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* Individual results may vary.