Made to Crave:  Satisfying Your Deepest Desires with God, Not Food

By:  Lysa TerKeurst

Genre:  Women’s, Non-Fiction, Christian Inspiration

Rating:  6 out of 5 stars

Three years and forty pounds ago, something made me pick up this book.  I had never read a book by Lysa TerKeurst (president of Proverbs 31 Ministries) before, so I’m not sure what caught my eye.  I remember God speaking to my heart these words:  “You’re not healthy.”  My constant prayer became “Lord, make me healthy and whole in every way–physically, spiritually, emotionally and mentally.”  He lead me to the truth of Scripture and the encouragement and guidance of this book!

“‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say–but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything’–but I will not be mastered by anything” (1 Corinthians 6:12 NIV).  This book made me realize that I was being mastered by my food choices. I have come to realize that food had become a god in my life.  I was turning to it for comfort and escape and pleasure rather than turning to God.  The truly miraculous thing was TerKeurst’s words inspired me to begin an exercise (which I have always hated with a passion) routine.  I began using my urges to eat garbage as an opportunity for self-control and to practice reliance on God.  While exercising, I prayed, listened to Biblical teaching and praised the Lord through music–something that I had not done enough before.

Reading TerKeurst’s words felt like sitting down and talking to a friend.  She was my accountability partner and my push to keep going (and for the right reasons).  I was reminded of the saving truth that only God can truly satisfy.  One of my favorite verses became Psalm 103:5:  “who satisfies your desires [or mouth] with good things [can I get an amen?].”

The follow up to this study came two years (and one baby) later when I did the study Made to Crave Action Plan with some ladies at church.  Whereas Made to Crave gives you the “want to,” the Action Plan gives you the “how to.”  It was a great refresher for me and full of practical tips!  I also recommend Made to Crave for Young Women.  Although I haven’t read this one yet, based on TerKeurst’s other work and reading this book, I think it would be a great tool for teen girls and young adults!

In short, this book comes highly recommended!  Whether you are struggling to find a diet (bleh) that fits or just want to pursue what it means to be healthy and whole, this book is for you!