Ramping Up the God Connection to Survive the Holidays

TEMPTATION AWAITS US!!

For many people the holidays are overwhelming, dangerous and even disastrous. We have the challenge of temptation, the stress of relationships and the fear of overspending or being alone. There is constant pressure to do stuff and buy things and go places and the overshadowing doom that it will never be enough. There is food and drink everywhere and we are expected to be cordial and “just say no” all at the same time. We are expected to cope on our own but how do we do it?

I’d like to say it is as simple as turning it over to God but when you are engulfed in the bombardment of social media, email, radio, television and family pressures it isn’t that easy. It takes a willful decision to stop everything and find out what God’s best for you would be.

Somewhere in the recesses of our minds, if we let ourselves go there, we know God has a purpose for our lives and each day is made up of moments strung together one second at a time. What we do with those moments, hours and days is up to us but I can assure you, if we are seeking to do God’s best for us we need to stop the bus and listen for directions.

The first thing is to STOP everything and be quiet. Stop texting, stop messaging, stop emailing, stop talking, stop watching. Invite God into your quiet space and just listen. Talk to Him as if He was your best friend that you haven’t seen in ages. Don’t just babble on about your stuff, just ask the simple questions and then listen for his response.

For most of us overeating and drinking is a real challenge so that may be a good place to start. Here are some of the questions I asked and what God said to me. Try it yourself and see what He tells YOU!

1)God how do I overcome the temptations of food and drink? God said…

“My Child, you need to decide right now, today, what it is you would like your mind, body and life to be. Do you want to be healthy? Do you want to feel great? If so, you need to determine what foods and drinks are going to help you and which ones are going to hurt you. If you don’t know, ask me. I will guide you to get the answers you seek. Then once you have decided then make your plan to avoid those items and make healthy choices. Do not let others dissuade you from what you know is right for you. You have to live in your body and life, they don’t ”

2)God where do you want me to go? God said…

“My Child, there will always be temptations in this life and I will help you to avoid it. Sometimes that means not going to certain places. It may be the people that are there or the things they are doing, eating or drinking but if there is a way to avoid temptation it is wise to do that. I will be with you always so whatever you choose, I will help you but it will take much more concentration to stay connected to me in the midst of certain situations.”

3)God what do you want me to buy? God said…

“My Child, my people have become worldly in what they do under the guise of celebrating my son’s birth. You bring stress on yourselves, you spend beyond your means and you compete with others over giving the best gifts. Do not do these things. Rest in the gift I have given you this season and let that be enough. Pass on the joy of my presence rather than worldly presents that fade as soon as the newest gimmick hits the shelves. My gift is free. Give it generously.”

So if you are wanting to avoid the stress and temptations of the holidays then stop and have a chat with your creator. He has all the answers you need and the power to help you withstand the pressure if you so choose.

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