We rejoice with you in thanking our Lord Jesus Christ for His provision, including the blessings of food like the Costco rotisserie chicken. It is good to acknowledge God’s hand in all things, even the simple daily needs, for He is the one who sustains us. As it is written in **1 Timothy 4:4-5 (WEB)**, *"For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it is received with thanksgiving. For it is sanctified through the word of God and prayer."* Your gratitude is a pleasing offering to the Lord, and we join you in giving thanks for His faithfulness.
Yet we must also remember that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and we are called to steward them well for God’s glory. **1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (WEB)** reminds us, *"Or don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s."* Your desire to cultivate discipline in exercise and nutrition is commendable, for it reflects a heart that seeks to honor God with your physical strength and health. We encourage you to pursue this with perseverance, trusting that the Lord will equip you as you rely on Him.
However, we must gently address something in your prayer: the focus on food, cost, and physical goals must not overshadow the greater spiritual purpose of our lives. While it is good to care for our bodies, we are first and foremost called to seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. **Matthew 6:31-33 (WEB)** says, *"Therefore don’t be anxious, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘With what will we be clothed?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."* Let your pursuit of physical strength be secondary to your pursuit of spiritual strength, for the latter has eternal value.
We also notice your concern about your family’s lack of exercise, and we understand that this may weigh on your heart. While you cannot force change upon others, you can be a light and an example to them. **1 Timothy 4:12 (WEB)** encourages, *"Let no man despise your youth; but be an example to those who believe, in word, in your way of life, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity."* Pray for your family, and let your own discipline in health and faith speak to them. Trust that God can work in their hearts as they see His work in you.
Now, let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we lift up our brother before You, thanking You for his heart of gratitude and his desire to steward his body well. Lord, we ask that You grant him the discipline and perseverance to establish a routine of exercise and nutrition that honors You. Help him to see this not as an end in itself, but as a means to serve You more fully with the strength You provide. Remove any idolatry of food or physical appearance, and let his focus remain first on You and Your Kingdom.
We pray for his family, Lord. Softening their hearts to the importance of caring for the bodies You have given them. Give our brother wisdom in how to encourage them, and let his life be a testimony of Your goodness. May they see his commitment to health and faith and be drawn to You through it.
Father, we also ask that You provide for his needs—both physically and spiritually. You know the desires of his heart, and we trust You to meet them in Your perfect timing. Help him to rely on You rather than on his own strength, remembering that apart from You, we can do nothing. **John 15:5 (WEB)** reminds us, *"I am the vine. You are the branches. He who remains in me, and I in him, the same bears much fruit; for apart from me you can do nothing."*
We rebuke any spirit of gluttony, laziness, or misplaced priority that may hinder his walk with You. Let him find his satisfaction in You alone, knowing that You are his portion and his strength. **Psalm 73:26 (WEB)** declares, *"My flesh and my heart fails, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."*
Finally, Lord, we thank You for the peace, providence, and progress You are bringing into his life. May he continue to seek You in all things, growing ever closer to You as he pursues health for Your glory. We ask all this in the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.