How adopting a plant-based diet helped me regain discipline and connect spiritually with God
Every year, as the year ends, I take some time to reflect on my experiences and prepare for the upcoming year. A crucial part of this process involves spending time with God in prayer. I seek guidance from the Holy Spirit, asking for clarity about God's will for my life. Sometimes, I receive answers during worship; other times, God speaks to me through a person.
This year, I prayed for guidance, and during one church service, the pastor's words directly spoke to me. He asked, "So, even if you're wise and knowledgeable, are you disciplined enough to apply your wisdom and knowledge?" His question hit home for me. I knew what to do, but I needed help with following through.
After considering his question, I prayed for the Lord's help in staying disciplined to my level of wisdom and knowledge. Following this prayer, I felt led to adopt a 100% plant-based diet.
It all began as a 30-day challenge, but I am now following a strictly plant-based diet in my second month. This experience has been life-changing, as I have learned so much about God and His plan for my life. During this time, something stood out to me in the Bible for the first time:
" Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree with fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. " Genesis 1:29 NIV
According to the Bible, after creating humans in His image, God instructed them on what type of food they should consume. Initially, the consumption of animals was not part of God's original plan. However, due to human choices, we now eat animals, and God, in His mercy, allows us to consume whatever we desire.
When I came across this scripture, it made me feel like humans have strayed away from God's original plan and are struggling to find their way back to Eden.
We often get so caught up in our own ways that we unknowingly distance ourselves from God. Although my reflection is not about food, I'm using food as an example to illustrate the importance of discipline in spiritual growth. When we take the time to slow down and listen to God, we can gain a better understanding of his plan for us. This diet has strengthened my discipline and brought me closer to God while providing health benefits.