Why is rebelling my first response?

But you, son of man, listen to what I say to you. Do not rebel like that rebellious people; open your mouth and eat what I give you.”  Ezekiel 2:8

The old Helen daily devoured a large bowl of ice cream with bananas, nuts and a cherry on top.  I worked hard and deserved this delicious dessert.  When I started reading labels, I was in sticker shock.  My nightly sundae was over 600 calories:   banana - 105 calories, 1.5 cups of “lite” ice cream - 350 calories, add nuts – 150 calories, and then chocolate syrup, and the cherry.  

In Ezekiel 2:8, listening is the first action we need to take.  How amazing that the Lord wants to talk and direct our ways.  The next action is what not to do, rebel.  When I listen, I find the first thing I think is “No, I don’t want to”.  Why is our natural response to rebel?  I want to obey the Lord, so I fight this and proceed to “Yes, I want to do this.”  What do I need to do/change/consider so I say, “Yes”?  

Scripture about food jumps off the page at me.  This scripture is no different.  We are to open our mouth and eat what God gives. Finding healthy replacements to the worldly food is critical to our healthy success. Cold turkey works for a few weeks, even months.  Slowly, we become resentful and our resolve weakens. 

I discovered Fruit Smoothies were a worthy replacement to my end of day treat.  When you blend 1 cup of skim milk, ¼ of a banana, and a cup of frozen strawberries, the result is a large volume of naturally sweet milkshake with only 190 calories. I am thankful for the healthy delicious food the Lord provides.

My new self is committed to eating only what the Lord provides.  The world takes the healthy food the Lord provides and adds to it.  Ice-cream sundaes started out as milk and fruit.   As we processed our food more and more, we added the sugar and the fat.   I am thankful to have healthy replacements.   Often times, the healthy replacement is food in the natural state that the Lord provided. 

My prayer:  Lord, forgive me for the wrong choices I have made in the past.   You are my Lord; help me to seek you first in all things. Remind my ears to listen for your direction.  Give me courage to not rebel against you.  I want to take up your cross daily and share in your mission.  Lord, help me to eat your food and resist the food the world has tempted me to eat.  Thank you Lord, for loving and providing for me.  Amen.

What are your worthy replacements?