While doing a partial fast with two friends, praying for forty days, I discovered that in the food deprivation, I was actually gaining weight. I had to question my motives. I told myself this was an unselfish pursuit to focus more on God. But a fringe benefit (weight loss perhaps?) would compensate me for my suffering. I didn't expect to gain weight! I had to come to terms, resolving to accept the "sacrifice" of weight gain if that was the consequence, because my first priority should be my relationship with God, not with my scale.

I did end up blessed after all. The above verse really hit home. All things have been added unto me even a fit and healthy body. And not by my striving, not through diets, but by God's provision. It's awesome.