Eating Disorders

TIt may feel as though you are completely alone in your struggle with food; that you are locked into something that will never change; that you are controlled by your needs and habits and nothing will ever get you out of it. But as you understand more about what Jesus has done for us you will feel more and more able to take control of your life and your eating. God has equipped you to overcome the strong sense of need that drives you to crave/resist food. It all boils down to what is important to you and what you believe about yourself.

When you are able to feel really comfortable about yourself and your body the habits that have harmed you will be in your control and you can make more healthy choices

The starting point for any Christian with baggage from the past is a Steps To Freedom appointment. Sometimes those with eating disorders can be taken through the 'Steps to Freedom' and walk away from their appointment completely free. But often they believe so many lies about themselves, their food and weight, they find it impossible to determine what reality is anymore. Even when faced with thoughts that they know are completely irrational, they are tied up with so many other fears that they are unable to reject these irrational thoughts.

We have discovered that, particularly in the early days, it is vital for God's people to come alongside and work with them on a fairly frequent basis in order to help them to determine what the strongholds are and how to apply truth.

The team approach we recommend for other problems is just as effective here. The struggling person needs to feel they have intrinsic worth and value; they don't have to earn their love by physical activity, nor do they deserve to be punished by depriving themselves of food. Their punishment was all taken upon Jesus when he died for us on the cross. But these lies are so deeply ingrained that they may take months or years to undo. Frequent encouragement and support, particularly around meal times, are important here. A small but committed group of people who can help to restructure both the daily life and the thinking of the hurting person will provide the "good soil" into which the Holy Spirit can work His healing.

For more information on how we can help, see Starting to help hurting people and How do I begin?