I always know that moment is coming, but yet it still surprises me when it shows up.
Sweat is running down my nose. I glance at the clock and wonder how much longer. My heart pounds. My muscles quiver.
It is the point of “almost done” in a super intense work out.
On my good days, I ask myself just how far I can go.
On my not-so-good days, I am glad that I went.
Because every time I strap on my running shoes, click on the treadmill, attempt to perfect (ha!) downward dog in yoga or hit my one-rep max lifting, I know that my strength is growing.
The same can be said for our soul.
Although quivering muscles and excessive sweat might not be normal “ingredients” in our walk of courageous faith, strength is a vital component.
How much can our hearts handle? Will we keep believing even when the “weight” gets too heavy? Do we have the courage to swing our feet out of bed, hit our knees and ask God for the strength just to get us through the day?
If we are tapping into that well of courageous faith, then yes.
It is no secret that our greatest victories come out of some of the most violent storms.
Out of great struggle comes growth.
From our fleshy weakness erupts God’s strength.
And His strength is cloaked with courage.
But we will never discover that incredible strength unless we have the courage to pick it up in the beginning.
One of my favorite leadership quotes is by Wayne Gretzky: “We are guaranteed to miss 100% of the shots we don’t take.” If we spin that around a little bit, we can look at from a spiritual angle. We are going to miss 100% of the victories we don’t pursue.
If we are too afraid, too convinced of our (and God’s) weakness, then we won’t even get that spiritual bar bell off the floor.
But in all this heavy-weight-sweaty-burdened-broken life, there is encouragement. God’s Word is chock-full of spiritual paradigms that make this courageous walk of faith possible.
2 Corinthians 12:9 says, “My grace is sufficient. For my strength is make perfect in your weakness.”
In Matthew, Jesus reminds us that His yoke is easy and burden is light. He is willing and able to help us carry whatever “heavy” experiences may come our way.
God gets us. He understands our struggles. He doesn’t leave us to our own devices, to muster our OWN strength to get out of bed, take that next breath or walk around with a millstone around our neck.
He is there. He cares. He carries us.
We just activate our courageous faith, lean down, take his hand and tap into His Strength.
Strengthened in Him,
“I love you, God— you make me strong. God is bedrock under my feet, the castle in which I live, my rescuing knight. My God—the high crag where I run for dear life, hiding behind the boulders, safe in the granite hideout.” ~Psalm 18:1-2 MSG
Linking up today with my friend Kristin over at Three-word Wednesday and having a little Coffee for your Heart with Holley. Oh! And be sure to join our #EverydayJesus link-up community right here at 7 Days Time every Thursday!
