From Gluttony to Glory: My Journey of Freedom
Let’s face it—gluttony is the sin we rarely want to talk about. It sneaks in with its sweet whispers and delicious aromas, convincing us that food will fill the emptiness only God can satisfy. Proverbs 23:2 delivers a warning so sharp it could cut through the toughest steak: “Put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony.” Now, that’s not a suggestion to self-harm, but a wake-up call to self-control! I wish I had taken it seriously earlier, but like most people, I ignored the signs until my life became unmanageable.
My battle with gluttony didn’t start as an adult; it started as a child. I was lovingly (or not-so-lovingly) nicknamed “Nyundo wa Komeo,” Swahili for “the short, hard-headed one.” I was chubby, short, and stubborn—qualities that made my mother’s attempts to train me feel like taming a wild bull. But in my mind, I thought, “Why bother? She loves me anyway.” That misplaced assurance turned into complacency.
Food quickly became my refuge. Whether I was happy, sad, angry, or bored, food was my comforter. When I won something, I ate in celebration. When I lost, I ate to console myself. When emotions ran high, I ran straight to the kitchen. Predictably, I grew into a chubby child and, eventually, a plus-size adult.
The Exploitation of Nyundo
My body shape—admired by many—became my downfall. My older siblings discovered that men lusted after me because of my figure. They’d use me as bait to sit next to older men who would ogle at me. In exchange, I’d get a “reward”—samosas. Imagine that! Samosas! While my siblings were being treated to alcohol, I was being sold for snacks. Looking back, I can’t decide if I should laugh or cry. Was I really that cheap? The enemy had me trapped, and I didn’t even realize it.
Gluttony in Marriage
My unhealthy relationship with food followed me into my marriage. Money always seemed “not enough,” and I argued with my husband about providing food. But the truth was, it wasn’t about the money—it was my greed for food. I consumed physically, emotionally, and even financially. Food was draining not just my wallet but also my joy and peace.
In a desperate attempt to manage my finances better, I created a software program called MyBudget. Initially, I thought it would solve my money woes. Instead, it revealed a shocking truth: most of my income was going to food! It was a hard pill to swallow, but that revelation became the turning point. I realized my finances reflected my spiritual struggle.
A New Financial Path
With God’s help, I began to follow His principles of stewardship. Proverbs 3:9-10 reminded me to honor God with my wealth, and in return, He promised my “barns would be filled to overflowing.” God opened my eyes to opportunities beyond myself. I invested in incubator projects, and by His grace, those investments flourished.
Through this journey, God gave me the vision to use MyBudget to start an education fund that has served over one million children globally. Additionally, I used the software to sponsor incubation projects that thrived and made me abundant financially. Who would’ve thought that someone nicknamed “Nyundo wa Komeo” could impact the world? Only God can turn ashes into beauty.
The Failed Weight-Loss Attempts
Before I surrendered to God’s ways, I sought every possible weight-loss solution. Gym memberships? Check. Fad diets? Been there. Marathon running? Tried it. Each attempt worked temporarily, but the weight always came back—with interest. The enemy whispered lies that I was doomed to fail, and for a while, I believed him.
But the Holy Spirit reminded me of the truth in Matthew 19:26: “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” It hit me—I didn’t need a trendy diet or a grueling workout plan. I needed God.
Then, I recalled 1 Timothy 4:8, “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” This verse was a game-changer. I had been focusing on my body, thinking that diets and exercises were the key. But the truth was, godliness was the real key. The enemy had convinced me that dieting was the only way to freedom, but godliness brought the lasting change I needed.
The Wake-Up Call
The wake-up call came when I realized I didn’t want to die because of my love for food. I had heard of a renowned preacher who had passed away due to health complications tied to gluttony. That hit me hard. I didn’t want to end up in the same situation, trapped by my unhealthy habits. It was a pivotal moment for me—a moment where I realized something had to change before it was too late.
Replacing Gluttony with Godliness
Here’s the truth: we are not vacuums. When you remove a habit, you must replace it with another. Isaiah 58:6-7 says, “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke?” Fasting wasn’t just about skipping meals; it was about breaking chains.
During a corporate fast at Winners Chapel International Mombasa, God revealed the stronghold of gluttony in my life. I realized I wasn’t just overeating—I was worshipping food. The Holy Spirit convicted me and showed me that my gluttony was costing me my destiny.
Instead of filling my plate, I began filling my heart with God’s Word. I replaced three meals a day with three prayers a day, and instead of snacking, I feasted on Scripture. Romans 12:1-2 became my anthem: “Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God… be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
God’s Plan: The SGS Accountability Group
God’s plan for my life took a new and interesting direction when I joined the SGS Group, an accountability group designed to help people read the New Testament in 28 days and the Old Testament in 4 months. Little did I know that this was part of God’s master plan for my healing. I also found myself randomly calling people to pray for 24 hours in a month.
The enemy tried to convince me that it was a waste of time and that God wasn’t looking for readers, but doers. But the Holy Spirit gently reminded me that “You cannot know it all at once” and that I had to humble myself. Like a baby who first drinks milk before growing into adulthood, I had to start somewhere. It wasn’t about rushing through it all—it was about laying the foundation of a strong relationship with God. As I grew in His Word, I also grew spiritually and physically.
Healing My Daughter’s Struggles
This transformation wasn’t just about me—it was also about my family. My daughter, who mirrored my insecurities, struggled with her own issues. She hurt others because she was hurting inside. My father once remarked how shocked he was to see her as my carbon copy. His words stung, but they also woke me up.
She battled bed-wetting until she was 11 years old, and it was a tough journey. But God reminded me of my responsibility to love, pray for, and guide her. I started waking up three times a night to help her use the bathroom, showing her that she was worth the effort. Slowly but surely, she began to value herself.
The Power of Godly Eating
Weight loss wasn’t my goal; it became a byproduct of choosing godliness. Ten years later, I’ve maintained a healthy weight of 60-65 kg. This wasn’t through shortcuts or trends but by surrendering my body to God. Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” That strength carried me through.
God also opened my eyes to the true purpose of eating. Food is a gift, not a god. It is meant to nourish, not control. By embracing this truth, I discovered freedom, joy, and confidence I never thought possible.
A Humorous Yet Sobering Lesson
Now, don’t get me wrong—this journey wasn’t without its moments of humor. For instance, I once woke up during the fast convinced I heard the word “Beezlebub” echoing in my mind. It was a strange, disturbing word that wouldn’t leave me alone. Curious, I decided to research it, and to my shock, I discovered it was another name for the demonic spirit associated with gluttony. That was a revelation! I realized that I had been under spiritual attack. The enemy was real, but so was my God.
Breaking the Cycle
Gluttony didn’t just affect me—it had generational consequences. My habits were shaping my children’s future. I remember my daughter once asking, “Mom, why do you always argue with Dad about food?” That question cut deep. It wasn’t about the food; it was about the greed and brokenness I had carried for years.
But God, in His mercy, broke the cycle. Today, my daughter is thriving, confident, and secure in her identity. And I’ve learned that discipline is an act of love. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
Walking in Freedom
Today, I walk in freedom—freedom from gluttony, insecurity, and financial bondage. What the enemy meant for evil, God turned for good (Genesis 50:20). My life is living proof that no sin is too great for God’s grace and no habit too strong for His power.
If you’re struggling with gluttony, self-esteem, or habits you can’t seem to break, know this: “You are not your own; you were bought at a price” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Surrender your struggles to God. He will fill the void, break the chains, and lead you into the abundant life He designed for you.
And remember, God has a sense of humor too. After all, He’s the one who turned Nyundo wa Komeo into a vessel for His glory!
This updated version now includes your experience with the SGS group and the addition of God’s reminder of starting with humility in your walk with Him.
