Self-control

I was first diagnosed with diabetes seven years ago. Immediately I was sent to a nutrition doctor. The doctor rightly told me about nutritional changes that would help me lower my blood sugar. In my stubbornness, I told her that I could make some small changes to my diet but that I was not willing to make the wholesale alterations she suggested. She patiently listened and told me to do what I could do.

So I made some small changes while still enjoying many of the foods I liked. Maybe four months later I had a follow up appointment with the doctor. My A1C had gone from 8.7 to 7.1, much better but still too high. I had also lost 20 pounds. The doctor was pleased and I was ecstatic.

Encouraged by these results, I made more changes by finding foods that were both healthy for me and that I enjoyed eating. I also took up a daily walking program, which I found that I enjoy as well. My A1C now hovers around 5.7 and I have lost over 100 pounds since that first meeting.

What accounts for such a dramatic change? First I had to admit that I lacked self-control. Then I had to accept the necessary help from the doctor. Then I had to ask God to give me self-control in my eating habits and exercise. The last thing I wanted to do was limit myself in the foods I ate. In my unhealthy state, I also didn’t want to exercise. Telling myself to do healthy things wasn’t going to be enough. I needed God to work on my attitudes and feelings. He gave me self-control, improving my health and outlook.

Titus 2:11-12 says, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.”