Willpower or God's power?

Webster's dictionary defines willpower as:

 

will·pow·er

noun \ˈwil-ˌpau̇(-ə)r\

Definition of WILLPOWER

: energetic determination 

 

 

I've had several people comment to me that they wish they had my willpower when it comes to weight-loss. An "energetic determination" to make a change is what is often needed to make such a life change as losing weight and bringing exercise and healthy habits into one's life. However, willpower isn't how it all started for me. You see, I wanted another baby. I prayed for another baby. I begged God to answer my prayer and give us another child. It was what I wanted. God didn't answer that prayer, though. So, instead of complaining to God about it, I started listening to what He wanted for me. Then my prayer changed and I asked God to either give me another baby or help me lose weight and get healthy so that I could fully enjoy the child I already have. My prayer was slowly answered as my desire to have another child weakened as I gave that desire to God. Instead of praying for another baby, I prayed to God to lead me and use me for his glory. I asked him to guide me. God answered my prayer one day in April when I was at the doctor for a bad ear infection. There was a Weight Watchers pamphlet on the desk in the exam room and while I waited for the doctor to come in I read it. I had done WW online in the past, but this pamphlet was about going to meetings and, with a doctors note, having flex benefits money pay for the meetings. I asked my doctor about it and she said that WW is the only weight-loss program she recommends to her patients, she wrote a prescription for WW right then. God gave me a way to pay for the meetings, something my husband and I, at the time, couldn't have afforded otherwise, and a doctor who was excited about it for me. I joined WW a few weeks later and haven't looked back. Now that I've lost 55.8 pounds, I find that I'm a better mother. I play with my son so much more than I used to. I have the energy to be calm with him when he's pushing my buttons. I still want another baby...someday, but I know that right now isn't the time that God has planned for us to have another. Perhaps we never will, but I trust Him with that and know that His plan is flawless. Knowing this, I don't need willpower to carry on, I already have God's power!