I need some advice please

Hey all, I am Marilyn and I live in Northern Ontario in Canada. I am 50 years old and have been obese since I was about 15. The Good Lord only knows how many diets I have tried and failed at. I keep asking Him for help, but so far nothing. I know that He does things in His own time. The problem I am having though, is that I am conflicted somewhat about this surgery. The way I read my bible, is that a person should not mutilate him/herself for any reason. I have also made a decision to go ahead with the surgery. Is this wrong. I know that I have been feeling totally attacked by Satan, since making this decision. It seems that the temptations to sin are becoming more and more harder to ignore. I feel like if I commit this sin, (surgery) that other sins will be just tht more easy to do. I really don't want to do that. I am a relatively new Christian, about 5 years, and am so afraid of making bad decisions, I have spoken to the Father about this in my prayers, but it seems that I just can't get an answer one way or the other. Actually, I may have gotten an answer, but it would be not to have the procedure done. I am so confused. The negatives include that my doctor at first would not consent for me to go to the States for treatment. Then, he finally agreed that the surgery would be beneficial for me and then forgot to make the referral. I've gone to see him again, and he apologized for the delay, but said that he would do it today. I really don't know if he will. I compromised and agreed with the doctor and agreed to have the surgery done in Ontario, even though there could be a 3 year wait. I am 278 pounds, and have high blood pressure, high cholesteral,diabetes, and sleep apnea. Not to mention the pain that everyday brings on with shortness of breath, and degenerative disc disease in both my lower back and neck. Will God honor my decision to have surgery? Is there any biblical passages that relate to this issue? Am I missing something? I really need help, this is not being done for cosmetic reasons, there are valid medical reasons for my considering this action. I just don't know if it is the right thing to do noting my dilemma. I never want to do anything that will bring shame on me or on my Father. Can someone shed a little light on the subject for me!! Thank you and God Bless you all Marilyn

I believe we need to look at the context of that Law in the Old Testament. If you are worried about obeying that particular Law, then it would be necessary to obey ALL of the Law. That is next to impossible, therefore we have salvation in Christ's blood. There was a reason for that Law at that time. Christ came to fulfill the Law. I have no problem getting the surgery at this time. I believe God gave my doctor the skill and knowledge so that I can have the opportunity to get a healthier body as a result. I believe if you pray and seek the Lord, you will be able to have peace about this. Hugs, Trish

Thanks Trish, I guess I did know that, but, just wasn't able to bring it to mind when it comes to myself. I always try to be perfect. And I know that this is impossible. I am so fearful of the Lord (raised Catholic) and do not want to upset Him. I also know in my head, that God knows that I am far from perfect, and if I was perfect, then Jesus died for nothing!! All these things I know in my head, but it seems that the journey to my heart is a long one. So I thank you for your wisdom, and ask for prayers that my heart catches up to my head quickly. God Bless, Marilyn

Marilyn,What is the Christian's Wisdom? * Jesus Christ is our wisdom (1 Cor. 1:24, 30) ... Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God... In Him "are hid all treasures of wisdom and knowledge." (Col. 2:3) · The Word of God is our wisdom (Read: Deut. 4:4-6) It is only from the scriptures that we can become "wise unto salvation." (2 Tim. 3:15) · This wisdom can be accentuated through believing prayer. (James 1:5) If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. I would respectfully disagree that you will be mutilating your body by having this surgery. This is a medical necessity for some the same as cutting off an infected limb or cutting out a cancer in order to live. The scriptures that forbid mutilation are from the Old Testament and also say you are not to mark or cut the body in any way for the dead which is not what you are doing. I saw this surgery as a way to live a healthier more productive life and needed it to live at all because of my comorbidities. If the scriptures forbid any cutting of the body we would not be able to have surgery of any kind for any reason. I used the scriptures on wisdom to make the decision. I know it is a hard decision and needs to be well thought out with lots of prayer. I hope this was helpful and I will pray for you. In love, Sandyd

Hello Sandyd Thanks for the encouragement, when I read your post, it all seems to make sense to me. I thank God for all the friends I've made on the OH board. You are all great, and comforting to me. Thanks and God Bless, Marilyn

Marilyn - I'm so glad that you posted your concerns and thoughts!!! We know that the Lord knows when even a sparrow falls - so He cares about this process as part of your life! What I did was to place this whole event at His feet. I just prayed that the Lord would shut the door if it wasn't His will that I have the surgery or open the door if it was. Now, that being said - the enemy attacked big time and paperwork got fuddled, and things happened - but as the process continued, and I continued to let the Lord know that I was seeking His will, not mine - it became clear that the door for the surgery for me was opened by His hand. Christ came so that we would have life, and life ABUNDANT! He is the great Physician and He has blessed us with a process to be freed from the chains of our sin of overeating/gluttony. Ultimately, if this procedure is to work for each of us in the long term view, we will need His help to be free from our obesity. You can have this surgery, lose and gain. Once again, we fall at the foot of the cross and say, Lord, without you I'm dust! I need you everyday and in all areas of my life. Lord, I need you to help me stay away from snacking, and soft calories that can lead to weight re-gain, or halt my loss. Lord, for your Kingdom, I want to be healthy and a servant to you. Pray Marilyn. He loves you so much and He wants what's best for you. Let Him know that it's His will you're seeking. If the doors stay open, then in His still small voice, He has spoken to you! Take care! Carolyn in Petaluma, CA 252/181/125

Hello Carolyn, Thanks for the great inspiration. As with the other replies, I must say that I know most of what you all are saying. As for the "still small voice" being relatively new at this, I don't trust myself in hearing this voice, and sometimes that makes me doubt even more. I basically know that God wants me to be happy, but at times I feel unworthy of the great life I have since being touched by the Father. I know that through the blood of Christ, that I am worthy, but, I try so often to do it by myself, which is impossible. I have surrendered to Christ, and want His will to be done, but, given my previous life, I don't know if I really am following all His commands. I keep thinking that I must atone for my earlier mistakes. I know this is silly, but, old habits die hard. So I ask for prayer that my ears be opened, and that I know when the Lord is speaking to me. I could go on and on, but will save the rest for another day. thanks again for your words of wisdom, God Bless, Marilyn

Marilyn, I am so glad that you came here to ask the question and I find amazing that the Lord used the same scripture about mutilation that my husband just asked our Pastor concerning tatoos and ear and body piercing and he told my husband the same thing that Sandy d told you. That was forbidden in the Old Testament us a memorial to the dead. I agree with the wisdom that the others gave regarding the Scriptures and the wisdom the Lord gives. I am 56 and thought long and hard for two years, praying for the Lord to open or close the doors and if it was His will that all would go through because I am a mere human and do not profess to know God's plan for me but I trust Him wo lead me and show me if I submit to His will and that is how I found peace. I knew if He closed the door then He knew the future and I didn't and I would rest in it. If He opened the door then I would rest in that also. I commited to do this As Unto The Lord. I will pray for you and I know the God of the Universe will guide and direct your path. He loves His kids and doesn't want them to live this life w/o His direction. Just pray and read His Word daily. In Christ, Joan M