I’ve been working out hardcore (or so I think) for the last four weeks. Already, a few physical changes are noticeable, even if only to me. The one pain I’ve been dreading, yet haven’t felt much of, is soreness. Usually I feel soreness after I exercise. Quite sore for days on end. Enough to discourage me from continuing and building on a good, healthy habit.
Exercising my body is a bit like exercising my faith. I get little stretches here and there: answered prayers, bonus blessings, feelings of peace. I think I’m alright, and allow myself to get comfortable. Then WHAM! It’s time for a strenuous workout. There’s pulling and tugging. Some grunting and groaning. There are even some complaints. I’m ashamed to admit how much negative talk happens within me, about how this is too hard and I should quit right here.
All of it is part of being spiritually stretched. How can I handle God’s plans for my future if I don’t go through the necessary growing pains right now? All of this discomfort and toning is actually leading somewhere. My short-sighted, near-sighted self often forgets that little crucial detail.
When a spiritual workout is over, I need to make sure I stretch as things cool down. I read somewhere that your muscles naturally contract after a physical workout. It’s the stretching that prevents the shrinkage.
I didn’t go through spiritual roughness only to shrink back down again. What would be the point? I want my faith to get bigger, bolder and stronger. I want to reap the full benefits of my experiences.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Click below to join in the five-minute Friday community.
