My Personal Spiritual Trainer

I hate exercising. There is no other way to say it and no, I won't sugarcoat it. It hurts! I am forced to move at a constant pace and use muscles that I forgot I even had. Not to mention the aftermath. The soreness and discomfort only makes me think “how can such a terrible feeling lead me to my healthiest state?” I am cleaning up my spirit and have come to the conclusion that in order to be a well-rounded Christian everything needs to be cleaned up, including this out-of-shape vessel of mine.

This made me think about what God is doing in my spiritual life as well. When we make the decision to accept Christ with all of our hearts, we don’t consider the vigorous work that is required to take us from being “couch potato Christians” to proactive go-getters in Christ; constantly pursuing Him because without Him we feel sluggish. My journey has been an up and down one no doubt. I have done a pretty good job of staying close enough to God by praying regularly, but far enough so that His plans don't interfere with mine. Terrible, I know, but how many of us do that? How many of us get up and pursue Christ the way that we want to pursue Him?

When we do this we only exercise a portion of our spiritual bodies. We may walk at a slow pace, not wanting to sweat and truly feel the brunt of our work, but imagine how we would feel and look if we let our personal and spiritual trainer (Christ) sculpt, tone, and strengthen us into a new person?!

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”  Romans 12:1 ESV

Christ is calling for us! He wants us to look and feel the best we have ever felt. It doesn't have to be as hard as we make it. Everyone starts off walking, but don't become stagnant and more importantly, don’t look at the sprinters and become discouraged. He is walking right beside us, ordering our every step. His love for us runs so deep and He knows what we are capable of doing, but He knows how much more we can get done if we allow Him to work through us!

Whether we are reading our daily devotionals, reading our bibles, praying, fasting, ministering, or evangelizing know that Christ is training us to be the best that we can be in Him! We may experience seasonal pain or even a pulled muscle or two, but know that He is right there willing and waiting for us to call on Him for help. Once we get into the habit of utilizing Him in every aspect of our walk, we will experience an unimaginable strength.

“But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 ESV

  

Get up, get moving, and don't forget take Him with you!

Rochelle Burnley is a queen of all trades. She loves the Lord and desires to spread His love and light to everyone that she is blessed to touch. A producer by profession, she intends to use her gift of storytelling to spread the good news and to represent Christ. A proud Baltimore native, Rochelle leaves trails of purple along her life's journey. She is a chocolate connoisseur; as well as a lover of good movies, music, books, and food. She takes the phrase "shop until you drop" seriously. She holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism and Communications from Hampton University and is currently enrolled in The New School for an M.S. in Media Management.