Pumping Spiritual Iron

 by Macy Johnson

“We also rejoice in our sufferings,

because we know that suffering produces perseverance.”

(Romans 5:3 NIV)

 

In Jonathan Cahn’s The Book of Mysteries he provides insight into “The Resistance Secret.” He writes, “When you exercise the qualities of God against resistance, it causes you to grow stronger.”

I try to walk for forty-five minutes every weekday morning, in order to stay healthy and maintain my balance. At my last doctor’s visit I reviewed my DEXA (dual x-ray absorptiometry) scan results, which reveal bone density in the hip and spine, with Dr. Zant. To my surprise, my numbers had improved! Years of walking to offset my bone loss were finally paying off. I tell myself that every time I trudge up my steep driveway.

 

I may exercise this body, but it will die anyway. The forces of death – gravity, heat, cold, and time – push against it. Physical maintenance of my human tent is important, but temporary. My soul will live forever. Shouldn’t I spend valuable time and effort on my relationship with God?

 

“Therefore we do not lose heart.

Though outwardly we are wasting away,

yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”

(2 Corinthians 4:16 NIV)

 

In order to exercise my spiritual muscles, I should follow the advice of St. Francis of Assisi. I must press against hate with love, offense with forgiveness, doubt with faith, despair with hope, darkness with light, and sadness with joy. As I pump my spiritual iron, my faith will grow stronger.

Paul reminds us in Romans 5:3 to rejoice not because of our sufferings, but in our sufferings. We can claim the victory! We just need to keep on keeping on, accentuate the positive, and never give up. God is in control.

 

I will exercise my faith so I will become more like Christ. I hope you will, too!