Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Working out my Body and Spirit

On our walk this morning, my husband and I were talking about exercising.  As you know, I started exercising recently.  I do some weight training and core strengthening exercises in the morning before our one-mile walk.  I recently started at lunch, at least 3 days a week, to go to the gym and walk/run 2 1/2 miles.  A few days a week I go back after work and walk with my best friend.  So I am getting more and more into a routine.  There is not so much change in my physical outward appearance yet, but then again, there is a lot of damage to correct.

My husband mentioned that exercising is a lot like our walk in Christ. He said we strive for that perfect body, or to know Jesus intimately, but we will never fully achieve either one.  There is no such thing as the 'perfect' body, and to know Jesus is a lifetime discipline.  We have to have the desire to attain each one, and we have to be deliberate in reaching our goals.  We will suffer aches and pains, or trials and tribulations along the way to reaching our goal.  But we can't give up, because with each exercise we do we grow a little more strong.  Do not let this discourage you, instead know that you can relax and enjoy the workout of your body and spirit.  Run the good race!  See the finish line! 

Our problem in both situations is that we want immediate results.  We didn't get out of shape physically or spiritually over night, so the renewing of our body and mind will also take time.  But we need to keep going, the results are wonderful!  With each step that we take, each weight that we lift, if we think, "Lord, I know that this will help me to live longer and healthier, and thank You for giving me the strength to help You here on earth."  With each parable we read, and each book of the Bible we study, we can know that we are doing great things for our spirit man.  We are toning our fighting muscles to defeat the enemy with nary breaking a sweat!  We will fill out the armor that God has given us and be beautiful warriors of the Lord!

I want Jesus to be my personal trainer.  As I run around the track, I get weary, and I say, "this one is for You, Lord" and I go the extra lap.  I picture Him there giving me encouragement.  Strengthening my body and getting back in shape will make me more able to accomplish what He wants me to do in this life.  It will keep me able to lift my arms in worship and help his other children.  I want Him to be my personal trainer in my spirit.  I listen to the Holy Spirit and obey.  I want to know Him as much as I possibly can in this lifetime.  I want to commit myself daily to knowing Him more.  This is a marathon, not a sprint. 

"When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, and when you run, you will not stumble." Proverbs 4:12

8 comments:

  1. Deirdre,
    Great words as I am on this journey myself especially today. As I walk with each step that is painful, I thank God I can walk. With each mini race I win, the marathon mileage gets closer. With each positive thought, I grow closer to Christ.
    Thank you for your superb words once again. They reinforce my desire to win.

    God Bless You, Your Family and Friends.
    Rosemary "Mamie" Adkins

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  2. Dear Rosemary,
    You WILL win, see Jesus at the end of every step. See Him smiling and reaching out His arms to you, telling you that you can do it! Know in your heart that like Paul, you can do ALL things through Christ who stengthens you!
    L&K, Deirdre

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  3. Deirdre,
    It's so true that we want immediate results and I am no exception. Thanks for the reminder. I do so want to finish the race. :)

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  4. Dear Linnea, We all do. I find that sometimes I am in way too much of a hurry. If I speed through something I miss what God is trying to teach me. I must remind myself that only He can do what I can't (which really is everything). If not for Him.....
    Deirdre

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    Replies
    1. "Be still and know that I am God." Doesn't the Bible just have a way of saying it all?

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  5. What a beautiful analogy, Deirdre! Your husband sounds like a very wise man and you're an inspiration to all of us!

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  6. Yes he is, Sandy, and I am so blessed to have him! Thank you for the kind words. God is truly our inspiration. He only uses me to get His message across, like all the rest of us.
    Deirdre

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