Hebrews 12:7-13

7 As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? 8 If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. 9 Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever?[a]

10 For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. 11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.

12 So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. 13 Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.

I STRONGLY dislike exercising. It’s boring and I feel like there’s no purpose in it- AT ALL. As a youngster, I was very physically active playing soccer, softball, basketball and tennis. I had fun. And my purpose was: to WIN! But when I became an adult, those reasons slowly began to fade and over time, my body became increasingly weak.

About a month ago, after running (no pun intended) out of excuses, I began asking God to help me strengthen His house.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

19 Do you not know that your body is a house of God where the Holy Spirit lives? God gave you His Holy Spirit. Now you belong to God. You do not belong to yourselves. 20 God bought you with a great price. So honor God with your body. You belong to Him.

As I waited for a miraculous event to motivate me, I realized that my stubborn child-like will was getting in the way of my progress. As a result, I had to choose to surrender several rooms (unhealthy foods, being comfortable, my time, my desire for a quick fix, etc.) to God and force this mobile home to get MOVING! I also had to lay down my pride and ask others for help during the remodel.

Weeks later, my opinion hasn’t changed much about physical activity. Daily exercise is still not enjoyable for me. As I’ve taken a new grip on my old weights, my muscles continue to throb in pain during -and after my training. But, as I endure this divine discipline, my soul is beginning to understand that it IS good for me. And as His child, I know there WILL be peaceful harvest of right living in my life, IF I continue to honor God with my body.