I don’t like to “fail.” But really, who does? And after 3+ years of trying, yesterday I FINALLY accomplished something I envisioned as impossible.
I confess I lived a good chunk of my life trying to play it safe. If I couldn’t do something perfectly, I would find a way to skip it all together and seek to excel in an area where I knew I could achieve near perfection (in my own strength.)
It was an EXHAUSTING way to live! I felt like something was missing, but I was scared to go to church. What if the Pastor said “Turn to Galatians” but the people around me saw that I didn’t know where that was?!?
I believed that lie of needing to be perfect for waaaayyy too long.
So I decided to follow Jesus, stumbling in the right (ish-most-of-the-time) direction.
The physical health aspect of my life was similar. I ate as a form of control and semi-rebellion growing up. I was very overweight but getting healthy seemed way beyond me, so I always said, “Maybe later.” It seemed impossible so why even try?
Until 11 years ago. About the same time I started actively seeking Jesus, something shifted in my heart. I started to make some different choices in an effort to take care of my body.
I had to keep me eyes focused on what God was doing in me. Not how fit my best friend was or how easily someone else lost weight. Not how fast my now-husband runs or how much someone on Facebook can deadlift.
It was about my journey. Seeking to let God accomplish what I envisioned as completely impossible in my life.
I was still afraid of failing. I used the word “IF” as my perfection caveat. Now, I seek to find the balance of grace and obedience, because IF is no way to live. “If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”” (Mark 9:23)
So yes. After more than 3 years of trying, falling short, then pushing it to the back burner of my Fitness Bucket List, I was able to pass the Army PT test! (No, I’m not joining the army…)
The 2-mile run, from a girl who just a few short years ago couldn’t/wouldn’t run more than a quarter mile without wheezing or wanting to cry. The push-ups, which just a few months ago I couldn’t do a single one on my toes with proper form. Th sit-ups, when beforehand it made my entire body tired just trying.
God has and continues to accomplish the impossible in my life. I give Him all the glory and celebrate the daily victories, no matter how great or small. I invite you to do the same.
It’s not about perfection, my friends. It’s about progress. Here’s to living in the light of His grace and inviting Him to do “impossible” things in our everyday.
In Him we can,
“Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”” ~Luke 18:27