Led by the Spirit, Not by Appetite
A Personal Journey of Discipline and Obedience
Introduction: A Life Led by the Lord, Even in Small Things
There was a season when the Lord told me not to go into Walmart. Instead, I was led to shop at a nearby Dollar Store. It wasn’t ideal, but it had the basics I needed to survive. Looking back, I see the kindness in God’s restriction—it wasn’t about convenience, it was about obedience and sensitivity.
Eventually, the Lord allowed me to return to Walmart, but with a clear instruction: Go in with a list—and come out again. The oppression in that environment was especially noticeable around Christmas. The list helped me stay focused and not be swayed by temptations carefully designed to appeal to the flesh.
As time went on, I was allowed to take a set amount of money and shop with wisdom. That part was enjoyable, but I began to make more impulsive choices. I had to learn how to be led by the Spirit even in what I put into my cart.
The Lord Addressed My Appetite
For over ten years, I had lived a fasted life—many extended fasts, and between them, I would usually eat just one meal a day. I had been blessed by that lifestyle. But slowly, I began to indulge—especially in sweets. Dessert became the highlight of every meal. Without noticing it, I slipped from spiritual discipline into gratification of appetite.
As a result, I gained about 15 pounds over the years. My body began storing fat due to survival mode—especially the kind of fat it doesn’t know what to do with, the kind that’s visible and hard to hide.
Eventually, the Lord made it clear:
“You cannot serve Me and Mr. Appetite.”
So, with His help, I made a change.
The Grace for Change
Two weeks before beginning the shift, I set a start date. I dreaded it. No more sweets. A drastic reduction in coffee. Vegetables and meats only. Fruit for dessert.
But to my surprise, when the day arrived, God gave me supernatural grace. It was surprisingly easy.
My coffee dropped from 12 cups to 2. I even started eating lunch—something I hadn’t done in years. The Lord helped me eat with purpose. I also started drinking over two liters of water per day—another miracle for someone who only drank coffee before.
Back to Walmart: A Spiritual Test
Just two weeks into this lifestyle change, I had to go to Walmart again to restock meats and vegetables. At first, I was fine. But slowly, the atmosphere got loud—visually and spiritually. I could see the subtle and not-so-subtle advertising aimed at indulgence.
Though I wasn’t in danger of breaking my diet, the opportunities to give in were everywhere. One moment caught me off guard: I suddenly had a strong desire for egg beaters. A good, permissible food—but the timing was wrong. It was too late in the evening.
I stopped, rebuked the enemy, and stood still for a few moments to soak in the presence of the Lord. The desire passed, and peace returned.
Living by the Spirit, Not by the Flesh
This change has been joyful—not because it’s easy, but because I know it’s led by the Holy Spirit. It has real spiritual and physical benefits:
- I feel lighter—spiritually and physically.
- I have more energy and clarity.
- I’m learning to obey quickly and resist slowly.
- I’m being trained to walk in self-control and spiritual awareness.
Biblical Foundation
Proverbs 23:1–3
“When you sit down to eat with a ruler, consider carefully what is before you; and put a knife to your throat if you are a man given to appetite. Do not desire his delicacies, for they are deceptive food.”
This verse isn’t just about political dinners—it’s about being ruled by appetite.
It’s about discernment, timing, and restraint. Appetite is a powerful force, but when submitted to the Spirit, it becomes a servant—not a master.
Practical Takeaways & Instructional Insights
- ✅ Practice Spirit-led shopping. Go in with a list. Stay on assignment. Leave when you’re done.
- ✅ Recognize spiritual noise in physical environments. The enemy often works through marketing and timing.
- ✅ Fast regularly, but don’t make fasting your identity. Let it be a tool of alignment, not pride.
- ✅ Expect God’s grace for real change. He won’t just call you—He will equip you.
- ✅ Rebuke distractions and pause to realign. A few minutes in God’s presence can reset everything.
- ✅ Understand appetite as a spiritual gate. Your appetite isn’t just a physical desire—it can be a point of warfare.
Closing Reflection
This journey isn’t just about weight loss—it’s about obedience, alignment, and readiness to serve God with a clear mind and a healthy body. I’m learning to be led by the Spirit, not by cravings. This isn’t about perfection—it’s about progression.
With God’s help, I’m overcoming.
Go God, go!
