A few times every week, I make my way to the gym.
Depending on the workout, there are times afterward when I can barely get up from the toilet due to aching muscles. Other times, my shaky T-rex arms can’t retrieve a glass from the cupboard, to which my unsympathetic coach responds: “But did you DIE?”
No, I did not die. And yes, the thing that sometimes gets me up in the morning is knowing that my workout will support my queso habit.
In all honesty, I’m not much of an “athlete.” When I first started working out, I didn’t know what a “burpee” was. I thought it was the sound one makes after a satisfying meal. (It turns out that a burpee is a move that combines a jump, a squat, and a push-up.) Power cleans? That’s a weight-lifting move, but it sounded more like what I do to whip my house into shape before guests come over.
But here I am, years later, still showing up for a legalized form of bodily torture.
(I exaggerate. Sort of.)
To be candid with you, I used to work out because I wanted to look better in my swimsuit. These days? I work out because I want to do a favor for my future self. I want Future Me to be able to move freely and enjoy a life of physical flexibility.
In case you are wondering, we at (in)courage did not just morph into a fitness website overnight. I’m sharing this story with you today for a reason: this kind of approach works for our faith lives as well.
Everything you do today to build your faith muscles pays dividends down the road for Future You. You are strengthening your future self through all you do to connect with God.
Every conversation with Him.
Every minute spent in His Word.
Every verse memorized.
Every worshipful act.
It all adds up.
I call it “resourced faith.” It’s like building muscle in a workout. When you build up your faith in the best of times, you have resources of faith to draw from in the most turbulent of times.
That’s true not only when you’re in your 20s and 30s. It’s also true when you’re in your 80s and 90s. Those faith muscles you built years earlier give you needed strength later on. If you’ve ever visited a nursing home, and watched what happens when an old hymn is played, or a familiar Bible verse is read, you know exactly what I’m talking about.
Biblical David had a resourced faith like that. He had been growing in relationship with God since he was a child. His faith helped him when he took on Goliath with a sling and a few small stones. And it helped him years down the road when he was running for his life, hiding in caves, and trying to stay one step ahead of his enemies.
In the Psalms, David kept building his faith muscles, kept crying out to God, kept writing down the promises of God.
And when he was old and frail, David remained steadfast. His last words are recorded in 2 Samuel 23:1-7. One last time, he shared the truth about who God is. Here’s part of what he said:
“Is it not my family God has chosen?
Yes, he has made an everlasting covenant with me.
His agreement is arranged and guaranteed in every detail.
He will ensure my safety and success.”
2 Samuel 23:5 NLT
In the end, David could die with peace, knowing God was in control. David’s resourced faith – built over time – sustained David in seasons of trial.
The same can be true for us.
The good news is, it’s never too late to start. Like the best kind of coach, God will meet you where you are, and help you build your faith muscle from there.
Another bit of good news? He won’t make you do burpees.
Jennifer,
The first time I went to a bootcamp and the instructor told us to do burpees, I said, “What’s a furbie?” Bless…the class chimed in together, “BURPEE!” and I knew I had a lot of learning to do :).
Today’s devo is so good! I love the idea of “resourced faith,” storing up today what we’ll NEED tomorrow. My future AND present self thanks you for this encouragement <3.
You are hilarious, Robin! Thanks for your kind comment last month. My apologies for not responding earlier. It’s the week when some of us were having problems getting to the site. 🙂
What an excellent analogy for our walk with God in the valley and on the mountain!
Thanks so much, Susan. That means a lot. Thanks also for your patience with me in responding — a whole month later!
Hahahahah I’m building both…at least I’m trying.
Thank you God for all the amazing coaches, in muscle and faith, you have put in my life \0/
I love that, Janet! By the way, one of my amazing faith coaches was my Godmother. Her name was … Janet. I loved her so.
Thanks also for your patience with me in responding!
I needed your message today!
I’m glad this post spoke to you, Diane. Pardon my delay in responding!
Jennifer tank you for this message. I don’t do exercises or go to the gym. People say exercise is good for you. You may not feel the benefits of it now
When older it stands to you they say. I don’t know if that true or not. But I get enough exercise do my Dad’s Home he is 83. Needs alot help doing his. Home to keep it tidy. As can’t do for himself. But I know with me suffering from seizures don’t take them every day. God’s doesn’t make me do more than I can each day. God when I do my Dad’s Home Monday to Friday for my Dad. Gives me the strength to do. I do on to the Love of the Lord and the Love of my Dad. It can be hard work at times. But as I said God gives me the strength to go and spend time with my Dad while I do his House. Then take time to rest when get Home. But before I go to do my Dad’s. I go with my Husband to his work. It cleaning job he does. It easy for me to get out when he is cleaning. To say my prayers most of them before it’s time to go my Dad’s to do his House. What I don’t get said I say the rest after my Dad’s. But before I go with my Husband to work I read the Bible. So God is not being left out. As if I don’t do that. I feel bad that I have left God out. Especially when he wakes me up to enjoy another day in his beautiful world. Has my Husband watching me every day. So as I don’t get hurt when I take a seizure. Mine I get no warning with them. So can’t be left alone. So I thankful for God not making me do anything I can’t do. Only what I can do. I feel good having said some of my prayers when with my Husband when he working. Even if I don’t the rest said that day because of a seizure if taken one. So God doesn’t make me do anything I can’t cope with. For that I am very thankful.
Thank you for today reading Love it. Keeping you all in prayer at incourage. Love Dawn Ferguson-Little Enniskillen Co.Fermanagh N.Ireland xx
The most important muscle that we can build is that faith muscle. And I’m certain you know how key that is, especially in all that you’re doing for your dad.
Jennifer-We’re about the same age because I exercise for the same reasons. I just want to stay healthy for my grandchildren and I don’t want to scare people away in my bathing suit. Just kidding but all in good humor. Thank you for sharing!
You crack me up, Lisa! Thanks so much for commenting, and for your patience with me in responding — a whole month later!!
“like the best kind of coach, God will meet you where you are, and help you build your faith muscle from there.” reading what you wrote made this verse come to mind. “even there YOUR hand will guide me, and YOUR strength will support me.” (psa 139:10 nlt)
times when i have no idea what’s going on, don’t know what’s next, don’t know how/when/where, or any number of anxieties/unsureties, in His kindness He reminds me that even THERE (whatever or wherever there is) He will meet me, guide me, and strengthen me.
you’re absolutely right! He is the best coach and trainer there is! thank you for the reminder!
That’s the perfect verse, Karyn! Thanks for sharing it with us. Apologies for my delay in responding to your kind message.
Bahahaha, this is so good!!! It all matters—the unseen rhythms that makes us more alive, physically and spiritually. Thanks for this perspective!
Thank you so much, Twyla! 🙂
I’m finding this to be so true right now. In the middle of a crisis, we don’t have time to spend hours in His Word, so His Spirit graciously reminds us of all we have learned. When we’re confused and find it hard to form a prayer, His Spirit intercedes for us and interprets our groans.
I’m so grateful for the time spent in God’s boot camp now that I’m in the trenches.
He is faithful!
Thank you for your wise and clever words, Jennifer.
Hugs,
Nikki
That is such a great point, Nikki. In moments of crisis, we literally might not have the time to read the Bible. And those are the times when we can draw from what He taught us in earlier times. Blessings to you, Nikki!
I remember some exercise when I was in the Air Force boot camp last century. I was much younger then but didn’t do much exercise even when out of school. Interesting word!! hahahaha! I need to some exercise but don’t always do it and I should due to help me stay strong and not tired. I am grateful that God is with us and thankful to remember things I had in years past that He’s helped us through. Writing notes from sermons and class to read later and remember life can be faithful and blessed every day. Reading the Bible helps as well including Bible studies. Thanks for what you shared to encourage us in life!! Hugs and blessings, Becky
Hi Becky! Thanks so much for sharing. I, too, write notes from sermons. It helps me to remember the lessons all week long.
What a joyful read. It made me laugh! No burpees, that’s right. Let’s stay in shape with God’s word. Loving this! Thank you!
Thank you, Olivia! 🙂
Jennifer,
I, too exercise to stay healthy. My resource of faith is being cultivated. I have taken sermon notes-even from TV preachers, memorized scripture, done multiple Bible studies, read Bible daily. Need to be strong in my faith when trials come-especially at the end. It must be working cause I talk to my patients & most appreciate my prayers & encouragement.
Blessings 🙂
I love that you’re able to use what God is teaching you with your patients — at a moment of deep need! God bless you, Beth!
A very good reminder that we never quit learning and growing in Christ.
Amen to that, William!