Just as the Israelites were set free from Egypt, you have just been set free to love God instead of the refrigerator or pantry. You have just been set free from making bricks for Pharaoh (dieting, counting fat grams, have-to exercising, pills, liquid fasts, foods you do not want to eat, constant weighing, clothes that do not fit, and the scorn of men, ___________________________ . . . you fill in the blanks). The exciting thing is that you have found yourself doing “self-controlled” things that you have never done before, such as leaving food on your plate, eating regular food, forgetting that it is lunchtime and, at the same time, finding yourself interested in learning more about God and communicating with Him. You surely have been rescued! But this is a journey. Just as Scripture says: “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose” (Philippians 2:12,13).