God, your personal trainer?

“Jesus! I praise You! Jesus! I praise You! Jesus! I praise Youuu!” I eked out through my teeth as I breathed through the pain. It is all I could think to do as I lay in bed, debilitated, unable to get myself to the bathroom. It had been hours since I had laid down after popping painkillers and an anti-inflammatory. I was certain I would get up feeling better, not worse, not unable to walk, not wondering if I’d end up peeing on myself!

Try as I might, simply standing was shooting unbearable waves of pain down my leg, so much so that I would collapse as soon as I tried. I called my friend to come and help me. I tried to stand again, but the pain just got worse. My friend made the executive decision to call an ambulance. It was the only move we had left. By the time the paramedics arrived, I couldn’t even sit up. They tried to sit me up and help me get to the bathroom, but that sent excruciating pain through my lower body.

After concern that they made the pain worse, the paramedics called in the fire department with a spine board and carefully rolled me onto it. By now you’re wondering, what on earth happened? I had been experiencing lower back and gluteal pain for weeks and working to resolve it, but that day, I tweaked my lower back just enough to throw those muscles into severe spasms and render me immobile.

As I lay in the hospital bed, I knew I would have to do steady, consistent strengthening exercises for my lower back, glutes, and, most importantly, my core. I had arrived at this place through years of inconsistent core work and improper lifting techniques. I knew this was an invitation to core stability, for which I would need His grace and direction.

A couple of years ago, God gave me a similar invitation, except it was spiritual. Through different situations, He revealed to me the areas where my spiritual core needed strengthening. All of the situations were painful and uncomfortable, but I knew I needed to walk through them. Victory in those areas meant confidence in my God-given identity. I knew I needed to do sets and reps to get stronger.

I am reminded of Paul’s words to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4: 7-10 (New American Standard Bible 1995), “But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.”

*Hint – It’s likely the areas you’ve been inconsistent; the areas you’ve deemed closed off…even to God.

Friends, I pray that your spiritual eyes be unveiled as He reveals the places that need work. May you know and trust that you are safe in His hands sore spots are exposed. I pray that you emerge stronger and more confident in who He created you to be. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Until next week …

Miracles + Blessings!

Brenda

p.s. if you haven’t already, don’t forget to purchase your copy of Memorial Stones