My husband is a body builder. Well he used to be anyway. I've seen pictures from his youth and let me tell you, he was hot! His body building routine was a combination of disciplined eating and scheduled workouts that resulted in a fine specimen of God's handiwork. To this day he enjoys the routine of planned meals and strenuous exercise. In fact, he's still incredibly handsome. In my book, he's Mr. Memphis not only because he takes care of his body but because he also tends to his soul.
This morning's passage is 2 Corinthians 12. In this chapter, Paul makes reveals God's intention to allow weakness into our life. It is our weakness that reveals His strength. It is our difficulties that turn out hearts toward His ease. It is our persecutions that seek His relief. Paul knew that as a teacher and fellow believer his words could either lure his friends towards Christ or repel them.
"We have been speaking in the sight of God as those in Christ; and everything we do, dear friends, is for your strengthening." (Verse 19) We are each on assignment as God's body builders. It is His desire that I build up, strengthen and encourage my fellow believers. To be a body builder is to:
- Lead others to exercise their souls
- Allow God work out my fears and anxieties and help others to do so as well
- Energize others with the hope and abundance God provides through a dynamic relationship with Him
I can allow the insults and hardships of my life to sequester me into a life played safe at home or I can let them jettison me to a vibrant life lived out in God's gym. It is God's hope that I take my weaknesses and use them to make others strong.
Jesus, You fill every part of me when I come to You. Today I will build others up in faith. Just as physical exercise requires discipline, so too does spiritual exercise. Today help me be disciplined to add on the muscle of Your Word and bulk up with prayer.
Thank you for touching my soul... right where I needed it.
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