TWhen I left for the Race, I knew one thing I both wanted and needed to do was get back in shape and be more careful about nutrition. I’ve had seasons of doing this well, but at some point, gave up and picked back up 6-12 months later only for the cycle to start over.
Reading 1 Corinthians last week, in chapter 6, verses 19-20 really convicted me of how I felt about food, nutrition, and working out.
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
My body is a temple, a dwelling place for Holy Spirit, and I’ve been treating it like trash most days! While I don’t have total control over what I eat at all times on the Race, there are some things I do have control over, and I’ve been totally ignoring them.
This week, I began working out again with what I have access to. A field and body weight exercise. I’ve decided against some sweets when it was all I wanted. I’ve drank probably a gallon of water almost every day.
I never expected to be so convicted of this in a season it seems I have so little control, and definitely never expected to write a blog about it, but here I am. Writing a blog and going where the Father is leading me.
Some days it’s hard to want to work out after walking a long way for ministry, or just feeling drained. But every time I finish a workout, I feel good knowing I’m one workout closer, on step closer to where God is leading.
“For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.”—Hebrews 12:11-12
Some days I don’t want to do a workout after being at ministry, but it’s a discipline I’m learning to love and enjoy.
Ms. Vic,
I am very proud of you for making a decision to honor God with your whole being – body, mind and soul. Be the temple. You are the temple.
I know you know this, but tap into the mentor the Lord introduced you to 4 months ago. He is there for you. He always says you can’t make somebody make a lifestyle change. They must be willing. It sounds like you are willing and have made the choice for yourself. Ryan can write you a plan. A nutrition plan. A fitness plan. You don’t have to go it alone. You are supposed to go it alone. You don’t think God introduced you two by accident, do you? I am reminded of another verse Colossians.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,” Colossians? ?3:23? ?NIV?? https://www.bible.com/111/col.3.23.niv
As you go, remember, you are working for the Lord. You are not working out for yourself. You are working so God is glorified and can use your witness and transformation as the impetus to reach others.
You got this, Victoria. You have the greatest motivation right in front of you. TGBTG!
Tom O’Keefe
Amen Tom!!
I’m right there with you!! I just started a nutritional program and am fighting temptations, but clinging to the Lord for strength to fight thru those times! Oh! Hey, I recommend, if you haven’t explored The Passion translation (TPT), to check it out. I love it as it creates a beautiful picture of what the scriptures are saying.
Thanks, Tom!!! You’re totally right, and in the past I have lived in a place where I thought I had to do it on my own. This was/is a huge encouragement to me! You’re correct—I don’t have to do it alone. I’m not meant to!
I already feel SO much better!! Some days it’s hard to stay in the right mindset to get a workout in, but I never regret it when I do it. Love you and miss you!
You are making amazing progress!