6 Nov

Stuff My Face

posted by Jody Johnston

I started running cross-country the spring of my freshman year. By the time summer came around, I was running 50 miles a week! When school started back and our team began running together, I found I was in great shape! Because of the time and effort I had put into training, I was able to run varsity!

Yet, in all my training, I neglected one very important thing: good nutrition. My shins began hurting when I ran, and after many tests and doctor visits, I was told my shins had developed tiny holes throughout them. This was awful news; it meant I had to stop running.

Running 50 miles a week will get you skinny—for me, too skinny. After I was injured, I decided to gain weight. I read that to gain weight you needed to eat more, so I doubled my calorie intake, protein intake, as well as fat intake!

After about three weeks of no change, I started doing research. I came across a line that I’ve heard my entire life, “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” This simple truth echoed in my head, and I realized what I had done wrong all along. Once I started eating breakfast, my body adjusted to the weight I was seeking!

The same thing happened in my relationship with Christ. I discovered that I can “train” by attending worship services, reading books, and listening to preaching, but until I get the nutrition my soul needs, I’m vulnerable to a weak spot breaking!

In Jeremiah 31:25, God says, “For I satisfy the thirsty person, and feed all those who are weak.” I get thirsty and weak! Everyone gets thirsty and weak! I just had to realize I was weak before I was strengthened. If I don’t realize I am weak, then I think I am strong.

Once I realized I was only “training” but not getting the nutrition my soul needed, I began eating breakfast with God. Just like the holes that developed in my bones healed, my relationship with Christ gained the nutrition it needed and became more and more solid.

There is no reason for me to not stuff my face with God’s Word! I made the choice to starve myself in the past, but no more! I have found a hunger for the Lord and plan on not letting it go.

“God, I thank you that you are the Bread of Life! Increase my hunger for you and your Word!”

Filed in: Discipleship, Relationship, Time

About the Author

Jody Johnston is a 17-year old student, athlete, and worship leader. He attends Hendersonville High School, where he is active in FCA and Select Chorus. In his free time, he loves to play Ultimate Frisbee and boulder.

Read more about Jody here.