Jesus calls us to live in freedom

Whose rules made me so hungry? They definitely weren't God's rules.

For years, I felt powerless to say no to the behaviors that come with anorexia nervosa and bulimia. Hunger pangs shot through my navel and gnawed at my spine. How crazy was it to starve myself when food was always available?

Present but not allowed.

Even though I was 40 pounds underweight, I was afraid of gaining even one pound. But the fear of not losing another pound far outweighed that fear. That fear actually helped to satisfy my gnawing hunger.

Nothing was more important to me than losing a pound a day. And nothing made me feel like a failure more than when I didn't achieve it.

My life – every thought I had – revolved around how I could lose another pound.

Without medical help, including professional counseling, I would have died. For this reason, I want to make it clear that I am not trivializing the seriousness of eating disorders and the importance of professional help.

However, looking back, I realize that without knowing it, I was battling more than just medical and mental health issues. I was also battling a spiritual battle. I am so grateful to the godly counselors who helped me realize this and guided me along the way.

As my relationship with God grew, I realized I had a choice. I could continue to choose to be oppressed by my destructive behavior, or I could surrender to God's grace. I realized that every time I resisted God's help, I was choosing to disobey Him. I was choosing to let sin rule my heart and therefore my decisions. Romans 6:12 (ESV) describes this: “Therefore do not let sin rule in your mortal body, and do not compel yourselves to obey its desires.”

One of my counselors encouraged me to meditate on God's Word, especially when I was tempted to starve or vomit. Romans 6:12 was one of those verses. Eventually, I noticed that my love for God was becoming stronger than my need to lose weight. Over time, by God's grace, I stayed accountable to my counselors and support group and was able to break free from Satan's clutches – and his rules.

And what about you? What sin or bad habit dominates you? Whose rules do you follow?

Satan lies to us. He tricks us into jumping through hoops that will never lead us to a satisfactory ending.

Jesus gives us the strength to say “no” to Satan's lies and bonds. He calls us to live in freedom, to a life that is extremely fulfilling.