I stuff food in my mouth for comfort when I face impossible situations.  I think the enemy highlights difficulties in my life so I lose focus on God.  I plan, plot how to deal with a problem instead of praying for it. Before long, I am in turmoil, stressed about the worst possible outcome.  I decide what my worst case options will be.  Then I waste time planning things that never come to pass.  I drive myself into emotional frenzy, and dive into food for comfort.

Being a Christian does not guarantee an easy, trouble free life. 1 Peter 4:1 is, “So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too.  For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin. (Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 1996, 2004, 2007).  Most of my self-created crises are not the suffering described in this verse. Before I drive myself in emergency mode, I need to realize problems are a normal part of life.  Every day, I face problems or challenges.  I have few trouble free days.  Most of my stress comes from my reaction to problems.  My discomfort is milder when I face the problem instead of dreaming up a worst possible scenario.  Eating does nothing to help my problem.

I suffer physically for Christ when I go hungry.  I do not starve, but give up the right to stuff my feelings and always have a full tummy.   I am finished with eating my emotions and trust God to help me find solutions for my difficulties.  When I seek His help, major problems shrink to insignificant glitches.  Only God can turn a traumatic experience into joy.  He helps me learn how to cope with difficulties. Unlike food, God can improve impossible situations.