WATCHWORD:
We are pressed on every side by trouble, but we are not crushed and broken. We are perplexed, but we don’t give up and quit. We are hunted down, but God never abandons us. We get knocked down, but we get back up again and keep going. 2nd Corinthians 4:8-9
Meditation:
What? Exercise?
I’m a lazy guy. I mean seriously lazy. I avoid exercise, mainly because I don’t like to expend the effort and the thought of going for a walk was boring, unless I’m in a spectacular place; waterfalls, beautiful sky, mountain peaks topped with snow, and a trail that doesn’t require that I work too hard. Give me those surroundings and, sure, I’ll walk.
Let’s say God intervenes. Doctors find that I have a defective valve in my heart that must be replaced. My life depends upon it. So, of course, I have the surgery. But then this talented doctor of mine prescribes, you guessed it, exercise called Cardiac Rehab, but with accountability, a synonym for drill sergeant!
Yesterday I completed 36 sessions of cardiac rehab. 36 sessions! When I started, I could only do 6 minutes on the treadmill. During this last session, I did 25 on the treadmill and 25 on a device called a SciFit. I had no chest pain and no trouble breathing. Afterwards, I felt so good that I sang along with Michael W. Smith’s all the way home. I have every reason to praise the Lord.
What does all that have to do with a devotional? Let me tell you there is common ground between physical and spiritual disciplines. With physical discipline it took a crisis and a good number of sessions before I could exert myself and breathe normally. Spiritual discipline often can start with a crisis that cause us to turn to God, where the result is immediate; the doorway to love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control stands wide open as you come to the Lord, and the sense of His presence can cause you to sing!
Spiritual development, like physical development requires discipline. It’s called discipline because it requires intentional activities. Spiritual discipline must be practiced, no laws or rules, just intentional. Spiritual disciplines help us engage with God, so his spirit can work in us. My early morning times with God; reading devotionals, scripture, prayers, or just talking with the Heavenly Father are uplifting, and it opens communication with the Holy Spirit.
Our spiritual journeys often contain struggles which we also encounter when we exercise. The prophet Elijah ran in fear when his life was threatened, he fell exhausted, and cried out ‘I’ve had enough, Lord’. Sometimes that’s us, crying out for help.
Frequently, in these Watchwords the point is made that the way of a Christian is not easy and there are times when we must make tough choices. As we walk with Christ, we realize there is a real cost to discipleship, and the cross of Christ is not lightweight. It takes courage, strength, resolve, and it takes deep, abiding faith, and the rewards are many. Amen
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we pray that you will give us courage and strength to overcome the murmurings of Satan that discourage us as we face and struggle through difficulties in our lives. Help us, Lord, to have the immediate thought that you are in charge, that you love us, and that we are holding on to your right hand as we move through those rough spots or even the joys that sometimes detract distract us. We thank you, Lord, for your constant presence. It’s in Jesus name we pray. Amen.
