As of the date I am writing this post, I have lost 215 pounds, 44% of my starting body mass. I am 70 percent of the way toward my weight loss goal. I have incredible friends encouraging me on this journey. Every day someone makes a positive comment, or friends me on MyFitnessPal, or sends me an encouraging word.

And yet, I still am terrified I will somehow miss the mark. I’m afraid I will quit. I’m afraid I will abandon my goals like I have abandoned so many responsibilities in life. I fear failure.

What if the road gets too difficult? What if I have an injury that keeps me from exercising over a long recovery period? What if I go back to my old ways? What if I get hungry again and cannot fill the void?

I know one thing, I am too weak to accomplish this on my own. I was reminded of this scripture.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 ESV

Because of what He has done, I hope to encourage others who are on this journey. I hope to never hunger again. I hope to be able to hike mountains. I hope to be able to perform yoga. I hope to dance in musical theater. I hope to run with grandchildren. I hope to travel to foreign countries.

Because of Him I hope.

And He will carry me to the finish line.

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26 ESV