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It Takes A Real Decision


Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”  (Joshua 1:8-19)
          Yesterday, I shared about how difficult it is to be strong, courageous and careful to be obedient. It takes everything. You have to meditate on it day and night. It sounds like a lot of work. It can be a lot of work.
                When I lost ninety pounds, it took about a year of keeping track. There were times that it was boring or difficult. For the most part, however, it wasn't as bad as I expected it to be. That's what makes it especially galling that I can't seem to flip that switch back on and step into old good habits. It didn't take that much strength once I got started. It was the battle to get started, the battle between the whim and the will, or between the want and the will. I had some assistance then. There were people to whom I made myself accountable, and I got mad. I used the energy and focus my anger generated to fuel my willpower. I also didn't have lots of other projects going on and I had the house to myself for 6 months. The key, however, was that I did what I had to do. I was strong, courageous and careful to be obedient, which made me stronger and more courageous, and made it easier for me to be careful to be obedient. After a while, it wasn't hard at all - until I stopped being careful to be obedient.

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