Day 48 – Thankful for the benefits of physical and spiritual exercise

For years I did not see the purpose of weight lifting for myself. I did the weight machines for a short class in college, but it did not interest me enough to continue on.

Then I started having pain that landed me in physical therapy, and I started to understand a bit more.

Recently, my daughter was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Type III and the geneticist believes that I have the condition, as well. I watched my daughter working hard in physical therapy, and I learned some more about how the muscles need to be strong to support the joints. Watching my daughter work so hard motivated me.

Now, I’m actually enjoying lifting weights on the weight machines at the gym!

It makes me feel so much better to get this kind of exercise! Who knew?

I wonder how many of us resist spiritual “weight training” as much as I did physical weight training? Could it be that we don’t have very good spiritual health because we’re not really willing to put in the effort that it takes?

What if we could be filled with the joy of the Lord and walk in resurrection power in our daily Christian walk?

The good news is that we can!

But it doesn’t happen by osmosis. We won’t get there by drifting any more than a swimmer wins a race by drifting from one end of the pool to another. We have to make an effort to study God’s word, pray, praise God, worship Him, and fellowship with other believers. We need to keep our eyes on Jesus, on that which is above, not that which is on the earth.

Today, I am thankful for the benefits of physical exercise to strengthen, bring endurance, and guard against injuries which will cause pain.

I’m also thankful for the parallel benefits of spiritual exercise that strengthen our faith, help us persevere in the race of life, and guard us from the attacks of the enemy of our souls.

I want to have those benefits! Don’t you?

Today is a new day! Let’s press forward with our focus on the goal!

What about you? Are you thankful for the benefits of physical and spiritual exercise? Or have you resisted exercise to the detriment of your health? What are you doing well?What can you do better?