Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. – Matthew 6:10 ESV

The biggest challenge in losing weight is getting control of your own stubborn will.  I was the biggest obstacle to my weight loss, no pun intended.

In order to get control of my will, I had to submit to the will of another.  I began with the three conversations, first with God, then myself, then my daughters.  God wanted me to be healthy.  I wanted to be healthy.  My daughters wanted me to be healthy.

So, in 2018, I submitted my will to that of my doctor and dietitian.  By submitting my will to them, I was able to be transformed in less than a year from 484.4 pounds down to 217.  My eating habits changed.  My lifestyle changed.  My activity levels changed.  I am healthy…physically.

In December, I decided to make a similar transformation in my fiscal health.  So, beginning January 1, I submitted my will to that of a man who himself climbed out of deep debt and was able to transform his life financially.  Say what you want about Dave Ramsey; he has helped more people get out of debt and prepare for retirement  than anyone else on the planet.  I have already paid off several debts and should be completely debt free by the end of 2021.

In March, I decided something had to be done about my personal life.  My history of personal relationships is a sad joke.  I failed, miserably and often.  So, I am now submitting my will to two couples who have overcome the odds and stayed together, through thick and thin.  They are dear to me and they love me dearly.  I am submitting to their plan because God brought them into my life and my plans pale in comparison.

Submitting to the will of another is never easy to do.  But I know it is worth it.  I have seen that in my physical health. I am seeing it financially.  And I have peace about my personal life for the first time since I can remember.

At that time Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?” “Let it be so now,” Jesus replied. “It is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness in this way.” Then John permitted Him.…Matthew 3:14

If Jesus, the King, was willing to submit Himself to be baptized by John, so much more should I be willing to submit myself to be helped by others.

It takes faith.  It takes perseverance.  It takes trust.  It takes love.

It takes God.