The Biggest Loser

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."       Philippians 4:13


     I was watching the television show "The Biggest Loser" the other night and something struck me funny.  Well, actually it wasn't funny at all...   In my younger days I was skinny.  Really skinny.  I used to wear "slim" jeans and my mom would still have to take them in... but then the first of many knee injuries happened.  And years later, I am no longer skinny.  In fact I am the opposite of skinny.   I think they call it f.....f.....funny...... (you thought I might say "fat" didn't you?   Nah, can't do that...)   But anyway on the television show "The Biggest Loser" everyone wants to be the biggest loser.   But then the wheels started turning, the smoke started coming out of my ears and my nose and I realized that this was quite odd..... but it made me think.... in a way we are all "the biggest loser".   Don't you think?   Let me explain...
      As I go through daily living I tend to screw things up a lot.   Sometimes it seems like I practically screw up everything I try to do.  Many days I am convinced that no one on Earth screws things up more than I do.... It seems glaringly apparent and I am often sure that everyone else knows what a screw up I really am.... but then I realize that is not the truth... that is just one of the many lies that I sometimes listen to in my head.   And at that moment I realize that each of us listens to the very same lies.  At least I hope I am right cause I would hate to be the only one who feels like this....   But I think that we all screw up the things we try to do.  I would venture to say that everyone probably feels like the whole world knows what a screw up they really are.... but in reality we rarely even realize that you have screwed up (unless you find a way to bring attention to it).   So I think that in a way each of us is "the biggest loser" at least in our own minds...   and it is precisely this that helps to humble us, and to make us open to allowing God to  mold us into something better.   Think about it.  If we could do it on our own, would we even ask God to take the helm?   We turn to God because we know we can't do it on our own.    The bible says "if you want to be first, be last.  If you want to be the best, be the lowest.   That is where we need to be to get us to go to God willing to be molded.  Willing to be changed.    We go to God as the "biggest loser" and He makes us into what He will have us be.... and then; we win..... it's got to make you wonder...
   Dear Lord,  I know that You are as aware as I am of all of my faults... hey, You probably even know some that I have not yet acknowledged.   But You also are working on me all of the time.  You are working to mold me into more of what you want me to be,  a reflection of Your love.  I thank You for this as I can see the difference already and yet I know that there is still much to do as I am still a long way from perfect.   I look forward to the day when Your work in me is completed.   I also know that You are working the same miracles in my friends lives.   Thank You for the reminders that we are not as hosed up as we sometimes feel.  Please help us to keep focused on You and not to focus on ourselves.  And remind us to NOT listen to the lies.   To recognize them when they try to sneak in there.... and please help me to remember that I can do all things through you..... Thanks much....