Lord's Table Testimony: Tom Hammond

I grew up in a Christian family and, for the past 33 years, have been in vocational Christian ministry. My parents were extremely overweight and food was always associated with happiness and fellowship. For the past 15 years, I have struggled with overeating and experiencing some success, but a lot more failure. About 6 months ago, I reached a point where I had to start purchasing larger-sized clothing. More significant was the bondage and defeat I felt with each attempt and failure at controlling my appetite.

I knew the power to change was through the Holy Spirit using the Word but somehow my love for food was greater. I was addicted to food. In desperation, I even signed up for a special diet program through an infomercial . That very day I heard about SCF through another web page.

When I entered the web page, I was drawn to the Lord's Table. Immediately I was ready to commit myself to the study, the eating plan, and the exercise program. I had finally found a program based upon biblical truth and the daily accountability was what I needed. Each study helped me address the real issues and it helped to know my mentor was praying for me. The testimonies of others battling the same sin were encouraging and motivating. The weekly eating plan provided the right structure for a person like me who is around food and spends many hours with people. (I have also hated calorie counting!)

One of the keys was recognizing how I had been turning to earthy food to bring satisfaction instead of being satisfied with Christ and his eternal food. When I was under pressure, I would turn to food to give me temporary satisfaction. After a long day at the office or a day of people pressures I would look for a place to buy something sweet or fattening to relieve my stress. I recognized and confessed my sin of finding satisfaction in food and learned to find my satisfaction in Jesus Christ alone.

Since that day I have begun to experience real freedom from the control of food over me. Just today I was able to go to a Ponderosa buffet and eat a normal healthy meal without letting the mounds of delicious food take control over me. No longer was the flesh in control but the Holy Spirit gave me victory over the flesh.

One of the additional benefits has been the loss of 12 pounds. To God be the glory! It has also given me many opportunities to share what God has been doing in my life. It is great to be free and I want to help others find this same freedom from the addiction of food.

Pastor Tom Hammond

Kent City Baptist Church