Chocolate Cravings

It is 3pm and as I wander around the kitchen looking for a quick snack I realize I already know where I am headed....to the chocolate. Now to some that may not be so bad...but for me I am to avoid chocolate. I pick up the chocolate cake neatly packaged and after I eat it I begin to think...I KNOW that eating this is not healthy for me. Problems with the gallbladder means I am to avoid chocolate AND processed food, both found in the chocolate cake now in my belly.

And it reminds me of the verses in Romans 7 where Paul talks about doing what he does NOT want to do, and not having the will to do what he knows he should do. Its true...I do NOT want the chocolate cake, yet it's now what I crave. Keep in mind that Manasa and I do not typically buy sweets for two reasons: one health wise but the major reason is the tight budget we are on. We may only have thirty dollars for food to last us two weeks so our priority goes to vegetables, meat, milk and bread. However we were given a nice care package when I was sick including yogurt and fruits (now gone) but the chocolate cakes stayed in the back for a while. I am feeling better this week and just thought I'd try ONE....little did I know that now every time the stomach growls, its that ONE that I crave (not the yogurt, not the fruits, not the leftover vegetable salad).

That too reminds me of the power of sin...compromising once with the false notion that we have the will power in ourselves to not choose that option again. I'm hit with gratitude that Jesus left us with the power of the Holy Spirit yet saying "thank you" doesn't seem to be enough. Because as Paul says, by my sinful self I am not able to overcome my flesh, but only by power graciously shared with me by my God in heaven, who knows me better than I know myself. I know the chocolate cake will soon be gone...especially as I encourage my husband to finish them. Most likely my refrigerator or pantry will continue to be empty of sugary processed foods but the point is that EVEN IF they were full, the Holy Spirit can grant me the power to resist the temptation...because my own knowledge of it's negative effects is not enough :)

PS I'm in NO way passing judgement on people's eating habits; food is meant to be enjoyed...including chocolate in moderation ~