Made to Crave: Satisfying Your Deepest Desire with God, Not Food Paperback – December 15, 2010

For the Christian who struggles with any stronghold, this book is an excellent source of wisdom in how to overcome. The focus of this book is the stronghold of idolatry with food, but the biblical principles on how to conquer it can apply to any struggle.Lysa asks the hard questions and challenges an examination of how our behavior reflects our heart and attitudes in light of the truth of scripture. She is open and honest about her own struggles and communicates them in a personable and relatable way. She is emphatic that her purpose is not to prescribe a weight loss or eating plan, but to point those who struggle with this to the true source of strength and empowerment, Jesus Christ. In Him alone, there is victory.Lysa does make a few statements that suggest that if you are naturally small or thin that food is not an issue for you. I completely disagree with this as the focus is not on what we look like, but rather where we turn in times of distress. Gluttony is sinful regardless of one's pants size.The Lord has used Lysa's story to convict me not only of my issues with food, but other things I pursue in place of Him. For that reason alone it was worth the read.

Wow, just wow. This book is something special. Just know that this review will not do this book justice.When I read self-help books (I categorize anything that makes me work on myself to grow and become a better me as self-help), I'm always faced with whether or not I'm going to put the things I read and learn about into practice in my life. And I've found that working on myself is not easy. I've been on this earth for 26 years and I've developed quite a lot of habits in that time. Habits as we all know can be extremely difficult to break. And while I've been on a journey to a healthier me that has had highs and lows since 2007, I've made progress, lost weight, gotten to a place where all of my numbers (blood sugar, cholesterol, iron, etc) looked great, then gained the weight back plus some, then started the process all over again. I'm not to my goal yet, but this process is never quick, and it's never easy. And food habits that have been developing for several years have been the major cause of me not reaching reaching my goal.But this book, Made to Crave, was a real eye opener for me. In all of the years of my journey, I've never handed this problem over to God. I've prayed about it (some), but I've never taken it to the level that Lysa TerKeurst takes it to in this book. Many people avoid anything to do with religion and God these days, but she points out that studies show that willpower alone is not enough to win this battle. And some people will read this book and feel like she's taken this idea of handing our addictions to food over to God too far. But for me, that's just not possible.When I first started Made to Crave, I was in a place where my "want to" had taken a leave of absence. After 10 months of exercising at least 5 days a week consistently and seeing little to no results, I found myself in a place where I just didn't want to try anymore. But my problem with this journey has always been food. I've always been willing to work out as much as necessary, but I want to eat whatever I want. Most experts that I've read (Chalene Johnson, Jillian Michaels, etc) will tell you than 80% of weight loss comes from healthy food choices and 20% comes from exercise. Despite intellectually knowing this fact, I still pursue the foods that I crave and hope to work them all off with exercise.But as I said before, Lysa TerKeurst takes this food thing to a whole new level--a spiritual level. She gave me hope that my "want to" can be fixed again, but I'll need some help on my journey. This is one of those books that has so much in it that I know I'm going to have to give it a re-read--possibly several re-reads. I cannot even begin to express to you how much this book has changed my thinking on food and the way I approach food.If you struggle with healthy food choices and you need help on your journey to a healthier you, I highly recommend this read to you. Be forewarned, this book focuses on your spiritual relationship with God as a means to conquering your food addictions. This is a spiritually journey just as much as, if not more than, a physical one. Lysa TerKeurst brought a whole new way of thinking to light for me that I will never be able to forget. Now that I know how much my relationship with food reflects my relationship with my Abba Father, I can't continue to live life ignorant of this. Made to Crave is not going to be the book for everyone, but it's definitely one for me.5 stars for Made to Crave. Have you read Made to Crave? If so, what did you think? Let me know!

Compelling, heartfelt, emotional, to the point and witty. The author’s writing style draws you in. Her honesty keeps your attention and her witty remarks make you giggle as you blush in recognition.I came across the author’s books during an online bible course and enjoyed them. She takes the Word and brings it closer to home. It gives clarity and direction in a practical way. I understand the Word better and see where I too can implement the word in my everyday living.I like her honesty and directness. Her absolute truthfulness on subjects we don’t like to talk about or hear. Made to Crave is no exception. Satisfying your deepest desire with God and not food is a wonderful and beneficial truth everyone should learn. Especially in our Christian living, where we aim to follow God in every part of our lives, is this book essential. The author shows us we can follow Him in our cravings as well and make God the centre of our lives.Everything we do is based on our mindset. When we change our mindset, we have the victory. Replacing the lie with the truth, we affectively destroy the enemy’s hold over us. We can make a well-informed decision and live a set apart life for God and look good at the same time.God wants us healthy, wealthy, blessed and victorious. Our attitudes towards life are all that stand in the way.This book is for everyone that struggles with some other problem. It doesn’t necessarily have to be food. The solution is within the pages of the good book. A must read for every Christian.