grace given me

As a former collegiate softball player, I have always loved sports and fitness. My passion these days includes running, walking and yoga, but I am being told that strength training is where I need to focus. According to Wikipedia, “Strength training can increase muscle, tendon, and ligament strength as well as bone density, and metabolism, improving joint and cardiac function, and reducing the risk of injury.” Because I’d like to stay healthy and fit for as long as possible, I am now pursuing strength training.

Strength is the long game. And you want to talk about real strength? An excerpt from Romans 8:11 says, “… the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you…” While I have read that verse before, it wasn’t until author Michele Cushatt called it out to me in her devotional I am that I realized what it is saying. When you accept Jesus, the same spirit and power that raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, is available to you. Now that is a strength that I want access to.

Stepping into that strength is a lot like physical training. First, you have to hear or read the right information. Just as I have heard what strength training can do for my body, I need to hear what God has done for me (“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8) and the promises he has made to me (‘“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”’ – Jeremiah 29:11).  

Next you have to believe it. It is one thing to know about something with our mind, and quite another to take hold of it. I have to believe it is true. (“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” – Hebrews 11:1) Before you start working out, you have to believe, or have faith, that the exercises will in fact bring physical strength. In the same way, I have to believe that God loves me and wants good things for me. If you’ve been knocked down or are going through a tough time, this might be extra difficult. But God in his goodness is ok with that and is willing to help you find the faith. (“And the apostles said unto the Lord, increase our faith.” – Luke 17:5)

Finally, you have to want it and take steps that prove the faith you are taking hold of. We have to work it out, walk it out, speak it over ourselves and over our lives. It is one thing to read about strength training, believe that it is good for me, and yet if I never want it enough to put it into action I will never actually experience strength. A therapist once told me that we always do what we want, we just might not be aware of what we actually want. He gave an example of patients who say, “I want to get fit,” but actually they want to relax on their couch more. Once you have determined to want God more, just start showing up.

God is so delighted when you show up. Go all in with him, and he will give you a taste of his strength. Just like strength training, the more you show up, the more he reveals his strength that is in you and available to you.

Lord, even before you made the world, you loved us. We know you love us and we need your strength. We are seeking physical, emotional and spiritual strength in this weary world. We are seeking physical healing for ourselves and our loved ones. We are seeking relational healing. We are seeking jobs, promotions, or just to be seen and valued at work. We are seeking healthy and loving marriages and peace and reconciliation in our families. Lord, you are so strong. Thank you that when I get with you, I am reminded that I am not helpless in my circumstances, because I can certainly get stuck there. I have the power of God living inside of me to help me through all the brokenness in my life and to shine a light in the world. Amen.