Our bodies are simply amazing. The wife and I have started a workout journey this week and I am fully aware of my body right now. My joints ache, my muscles quake, and I’m having a hard time doing anything without feeling a twinge all over. Today, especially, my hip flexors are on fire! I’m even uncomfortable sitting!

All joking aside, while I am sitting focusing on my aching body I know that I am in pain for two reasons:

1) All those hours sitting on my duff in front of the tv have put me way out of shape
2) The workouts have beat my muscles up but they are rebuilding themselves to be stronger, more flexible, and more powerful.

I know that this pain, caused by tearing down my muscles, is actually building my body up.

Our spiritual muscles work in much the same way. It is never fun to confess a sin or change a habit. It hurts when we begin to turn around and repent of our past. Starting up spiritual habits can be just as much of a challenge as ending bad ones but we are promised that this discomfort will truly be for our gain.

One of my theme verses for life is 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. In this passage we hear from Coach Paul as he encourages us to get away from our old, sinful lives and to get into the new life offered to us by Jesus Christ.

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”

Truth be told, my physical body needs to get it in gear, shed this weight, and get healthy. However, it would be a great tragedy if I ignored the one thing about me that will last forever- my soul.

My soul- our souls- get trapped in vicious cycles of sin and selfishness. Satan loves to whisper in our ears words of discouragement. He tells us, “You’re not good enough! God can’t change you and He does even want too. You might as well give up!” All lies! Satan’s native tongue is lying.

Don’t give up! Keep moving forward toward that which Christ has called us. He will heal you. He will change you. He does love you!

What are you doing today to connect with the Father? What is your workout plan with Jesus?

Spend some time in God’s gym today, shed the sin and the weight that keeps you apart from God, and press on!!!