I believe in the Bible. The infallible word of God. I believe that it’s true yesterday, today and forever and that it does not return void.
It’s true that it’s alive, a double-edged sword and life manual that’s meant to equip us and reprogram who we are. The Bible changes the way we live because it’s meant to change who we are in our hearts. And that’s where the rubber really meets the road. Our hearts. Anyone can quote and memorize scripture, recite prayers and go through all the motions of religious rituals but true power comes from the word living and breathing in your inner most being. It becomes you.
Power comes from a heart beating with his word.
So why would we ever think that the same power that’s available to all other aspects of life wouldn’t apply to how we train in the gym every day? If we use the word to change and strengthen us in our marriage, workplace, and parenting why would our health be off limits?
I see a lot of Christian women that seem to think letting God into this part of their lives is silly or superficial. Like God has better things to do or something. Nothing could be farther from the truth. God cares about every single detail of your life. He wants it all! However, we all have a free will so we have to CHOOSE to let him into the areas we want break through in. His holy spirit is available in every moment. Gym time included.
So I thought I would give you some key verses to recite and keep in your back pocket the next time you’re having a challenging time in the gym. There are tons of verses in the bible you can use but these are some simple ones you can speak out loud over yourself before, after, and during training.
~Do everything without complaining or arguing. Philippians 2:14
Everything in this verse means everything. So that would include burpees, squats, sprint work, etc. Whatever you would typically complain about or dread doing. It doesn’t matter if you like the particular training exercise or not. What matters is that you finish.
~I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
O.k. I know this one can become somewhat of a cliché but it’s still true. All means ALL. Do you believe this? This means you CAN finish the workout. This means you can jump on the box. This means you can transform no matter how long it takes. This means you can become an athlete and learn a new skill. All means all.
~For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 2:7
This means there is no reason to be afraid of the gym, the equipment, or the people in it. God has put inside you a spirit of love for your body, power to wield it and self-discipline to be consistent in training it. It’s time to access that spirit and use it when you train. Every. Single. Day.
~And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. Colossians 3:17
Again we see another all encompassing word. Whatever. Whatever would also include your time training. Think of it as an opportunity to shine his light and also as an opportunity to express gratitude to him that you have a body that is functioning and able to run, walk, and lift. Let us not take for granted the gift that is our body. Many people do not have this ability and gratitude always allows us to take better care of things.
~I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14
This one verse should give you so much joy and confidence. Remember it the next time you doubt yourself or after you finish a really tough training session. Your body is designed for work. It’s made to train and flourish.
As always, I love to hear from you. Use these, note the changes and let me know how it goes.
With Love,
Lindsey Nadler
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