Overcoming compulsive behavior is a the challenge of your life. Challenge is exhilarating. We love competition for that reason. It challenges us to give our best.

We need challenge to grow. The greater the challenge, the greater the growth. That is why dreams are important; they bring us to the edge of challenge. The Bible does exactly that. It paints a picture of those who have overcome and are seated in heaven, surrounded by angels, ruling the universe from the golden, 1,500 mile-high

New Jerusalem, and then challenges us to overcome. He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son. (Rev. 21:7) Challenge draws the best out of us, and God knows that.

In choosing your goals, choose goals that will challenge you beyond what you believe you are capable of achieving. Usually the things that we don’t want to do are the best for us. Morning exercise is arduous, but it is a great way to start the day. When we face pain, our determination becomes stronger. Facing pain develops resolve and shakes off that overly sensitive-to-life feeling. Calisthenics, cycling, running, swimming and weight lifting strengthen discipline because they pit determination against pain.

Controlling food intake is a serious challenge. It is time to pit your determination against pain and face the ugly giant … the feeling of hunger.
Are you up for challenges that will cause growth? Are you up for challenges that will force you to give your best? If you are, it’s time to make some decisions, durable decisions that won’t weaken during the onslaught of temptation. You may lose a few battles, but with resolute decisions you will win the war because resolute decisions are powered by focused determination that screams, “I won’t quit or back down.”