“God tested me, he pushed me hard, but he didn’t hand me over to Death.” Psalm 118.18
Growth, confidence, and progress come through struggle, pain, and difficulties. I wish I know a better way to the goal but I do not. Getting the body back in shape is tough, especially when one is getting older with casual habits of exercise. Maintaining a connection with God is very difficult, not because of God’s side, rather because of my struggle with self.
Workouts change the shape of the past in the future. On paper, any workout sounds easy and simple. In day to day life, workouts are challenging, difficult, and often carry a bellyful of pain. The question I find myself faced with at every workout is, do I really want to go through this? In spiritual workouts, the question is even harder because there are two sides cheering me on to their desired decision. God pulls me towards love and grace. Evil pulls me into self-realization, focus, and energy. If I chose the first, it is an act of faith. If I take the path towards being a god, it will appear logical.
Making a decision for God will bring a question, if one is listening. Are you willing to let God lead you in workouts to improve your relationship with Him? Do you want to grow? Do you want to strengthen your relationship? Are you willing to learn?
God knows our hearts. God continues to reach out to us, arms open wide, willing to accept us as we are, without conditions. God will use every event in life to help us understand what is at stake. God will give us the workout we need to grow in our relationship with Him. God listens for our words and watches are actions, seeking to understand how we see Him.
In the middle of every workout, I wonder why I am here. I find myself tested, pushed hard, and on the verge of failure. When I turn towards God, I see His hands loving, caring, and helping me grow.
