Strength Training for Believers…

I understand that at my age “strength training” is very important. As we age our bones become weak and using weights helps bring them the strength needed for health. I am amazed when I watch people bench press in the triple digits….

I even took a class one time to learn how to lift “correctly”. To say that my posture needed work is an understatement. Unless I stood a certain way and had a spotter, disaster was possible.

Oh I learned a lot and did increase the weight as the class progressed. A spotter was essential, and I did not attempt any lift without one! I felt strong, I walked with a certain confidence that I had not possessed before and once I learned how to stand to lift, my posture improved.

Interestingly enough, once the class was over and I quit my routine…my posture changed as did my strength.

Reminds me of life’s trials.

Our trials seem to start out small most of the time, but it seems as we mature, our trials have a tendency to increase in weight. And we need our spotters, those who encourage and lift us up in prayer. When we are not experiencing a trial, at least in my life, I have a tendency not to exercise at all…not really seeking HIM with all my heart.

So why do we have to go through trials?

As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we are not promised an “easy life”. I am sorry for all those people who think we deserve one because we are Christians. It doesn’t work like that, just ask those believers in the middle east and other parts of the world who are persecuted for their faith.

Jesus told us in John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

This is a fallen world, and God provided His peace and comfort as we go through these things.

As believers, we are being conformed into His image. We persevere through trials in that we believe that He has provided peace for us and we walk in increased faith, should we choose to….we become more and more like Christ. He didn’t allow us to go through this strength training without proper instruction and spotting!

Haven’t you been through a specifically trying time and later looked back upon it and wondered how you survived? I have…and when I read back through my journals, I am amazed at how God carried me through with His peace and grace!

Our trials can strengthen us….make us walk tall with confidence…in Christ. We become stronger than we ever thought possible, because of our faith in Christ.

So I think my posture might be improving right now…and my confidence in HIM. How’s your weight lifting session going?

~Be blessed
IN CHRIST ALONE

TSA

*google image, NIV Bible, pixabay images