Whose voice are we listening to?

In his book When the Enemy Strikes Charles Stanley writes "Never forget the devil's purposes:

• To draw you away from God
• To thwart God's purpose for your life
• To deny the glory of God in your life
• To destroy you in any way he can, including physical health"

The misuse of food is a tool that Satan uses to draw us away from God. As a matter of fact, as long as we're preoccupied with a poor self-image, bizarre eating patterns, and obsession with dieting and purging, we're limited in the freedom and joy we can live out with God. It's not that they can't coexist- it's just that they aren't firing on all cylinders.

God has a lot to say about freedom. His words bring hope, as Paul explains:

It was for freedom that Christ set us free, therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1)

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:1-2)

Any voice that opposes God's call to freedom in a believer's life is false. Any voice that stifles hope or mocks the belief that we can live free from bondage is not from God. He is our greatest cheerleader, and He is the provider of our finest victories.