Faith Aerobics
Can we pray for you today?
“Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees” (Hebrews 12:12).
I had to admit it. I had been sedentary for way too long. When I’d wake up in the morning I could feel the stiffness in my back. In the mirror I see the sagging where there used to be tautness. Too many years sitting at a desk, staring at computer screens all day. Out of shape. So, I have begun a low impact aerobics for a half hour each day. I clumsily try to follow a program on a Christian channel and do the exercises set to Gospel music.
The instructor says she is glad I tuned in today, to not get discouraged, to do what I can and above all to keep moving, even if all I can do is march in place. I feel like a klutz, constantly watching the women on the screen, trying to learn the moves. But, I am making progress! More of the steps are becoming familiar; I am not tripping over my own toes as much and can keep up without getting winded. My day goes better as well and I have more energy. And, hurray! hurray! – I am beginning to see the results of my efforts. The pounds are coming off little by little as well.
That made me think of my spiritual exercising as well. When I go about my world and forget to pray regularly, getting back to it feels awkward. My spiritual muscles have weakened from non-use. My faith, like my body, has sustained me, but it is sagging. I come to the Throne with guilt and shame, tripping over my own words. But God, in His wondrous mercy is patient. He whispers encouragements – “Don’t get discouraged, do what you can, keep moving.” Slowly, the extra pounds of worry, strife and anxiety I have been carrying come off and my weakened knees and drooping hands are strengthened.
He does that for each of us. If you are out of prayer-shape, know that God meets you where you are. He is just glad you tuned in again. Don’t get discouraged. Keep praying. Soon, your spiritual muscles will grow stronger, the worries of the world will begin to drop off, and you will have the stamina to face whatever happens. Just keep following the Leader. He’ll show you the right moves.
Questions: What Faith Aerobics do you need to begin or resume to get back in shape with God?
Those are great verses Lori and great applications. It is so easy to get spiritually lazy isn’t it!?
This is what I needed to hear today. Thank you for letting God use you to speak to many people
Love love this… I teach a “Walk the Walk – Getting Fit w/ Faith” small group at our church, and we have a devotional at the end. This reminded me so much of it. I couldn’t agree w/ you more, just everything you wrote here. I feel an added blessing that you included the Scripture from Hebrews; it’s just awesome. If I could, I’d like to share a couple verses that apply to this same topic.. “Whoever claims to live in Him must WALK as Jesus did” 1 John 2:6 (we think of how much walking Jesus actually DID (as we “Walk the Walk”); and “A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his STEPS.” Proverbs 14:15 – - Affirmation: I am a whole seamless person… everything I do today will be a perfect reflection of my beliefs! Faith faith faith… It sure applies! Even in our fitness and aerobics! Our body is His Temple, His Sanctuary… Thanks Julie :)
Julie, This is a good devotional today. We all need to recognize that it is very important to God that we take proper care of these vessels that He has given to us. Our bodies is the temple of the Lord where his holy spirit takes up residence. If we do not take proper care of such then we will suffer the consequences. Eating healthy and exercising are very important to our well being along with our spiritual muscles being exercised too.