Strength Training is Skin Deep
Find out why
When I refer to 'strength training,' I'm not just talking about physical exercise. I'm also discussing mental and spiritual exercises that strengthen our character and faith.
Like many of you, my life has been a rollercoaster ride, with its fair share of victories and defeats. Yet, I am profoundly thankful to God for equipping me with the mental and spiritual strength to weather these storms. As Jesus aptly puts it:
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall because it had been founded on the rock.” (Mathew 7: 24-27)
This Bible verse is a glimpse into my life and a testament to the profound transformative power of faith and spirituality. It serves as a beacon of hope, reminding me why the Bible advises seeking God in our youth when the days are bright and evil seems far away.
It's a resounding call and a gentle whisper to embrace personal development and spirituality. It reminds us that they are not just paths to growth but also powerful tools for navigating life's challenges, finding strength in the face of adversity, and discovering our true potential.
What if I had not built my life upon God's words and not firmly rooted in my relationship with Him in my younger years? Incredibly, the enemy would have consumed me!
When I mention 'the enemy ', I'm referring to the opposing forces that strive to undermine my faith and strength.
When I speak of 'God ', I refer to the source of my strength and the guiding light that helps me navigate these challenges.
My life has been a constant battle, with the enemy using various tactics to bring me down. These battles have tested my faith and resilience, but I've always emerged stronger.
The Mind as a Battlefield
When the enemy tells me I have a traumatic past, therefore, my traumatic past influences my present life, I turn to God's words for guidance.
As 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, 'If anyone is in Christ, old things have passed away; behold, all things are become new... '.
This verse reminds me that my past does not define me, but my faith and actions do.
He tells me I have no material inheritance; therefore, I am nothing. But God tells me, “The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.” (Psalm 16:6).
He wants me to be fearful of the unknown, wanting to scare me from taking actionable steps. But God tells me, “See, I am doing a new thing. Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?”... (Isaiah 43:19).
Also, “God did not give me a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind” (2 Tim 1:7).
He wants me to see my trials/ challenges as the results of my own doing. But God tells me:
“...Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that testing your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2-4).
When I refer to 'the enemy,' I'm referring to the negative influences and thoughts that try to disrupt my peace and prevent me from fulfilling my purpose.
It's a symbolic representation of the challenges we all face in life.
But the Bible says, “He will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust you.” (Isaiah 26:3)
Who’s lying? Who’s telling the truth? The Bible says, “...Let God be true, but every man a liar (Romans 3:4) …”
We shall wait and see who’s telling the truth and who’s lying.
Why Strength Training is Skin-Deep
My strength training journey is not without its challenges. I'm constantly battling negativity in my living space and workplace, but I'm not letting these challenges deter me. I'm using them as opportunities to grow and strengthen my faith.
Friends, you see why I always warn against the frivolity of strength training for only physical gains. Strength training is not about a big bum bum (lol), tiny waist, or big chest.
It’s more than that. After all, your big bum bum or tiny waist will not save you in the time of trouble.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble .” (Psalm 46:1).
According to 1 Tim 4:8, “...For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
Thank God. I didn’t embark on my strength training journey based on only mundane reasons.
The Bible says, “…. I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air….” (1 Cor 9:26).
In a future blog post/ video, I'll explore the compelling reasons that led me to embark on this strength training journey. Stay tuned for more insights and inspiration.
Practical Application of Strength Training to Life’s Challenges
Meanwhile, I’m tackling the enemy of my life/soul head-on.
On the one hand, I know:
“...The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ…”(2 Cor 10:4-5).
On the other hand, I’m not just quoting verbatim from the Bible; I’m taking daily actionable steps.
When I say I’m 'firmly standing upon a solid rock ', I refer to my unwavering faith in God. This faith is my foundation, and it keeps me steady even in the face of adversity.
Therefore, strength training is skin-deep for me. It's about preparing to fight mental and spiritual battles and strengthening myself to withstand physical challenges.
My faith and actions are my identity; they influence my life and define me because of this. Therefore, engaging in strength training speaks volumes about my identity and faith in God to permanently calm the raging storm of my life.
It validates the importance of faith and spirituality in personal development and reminds us that they can be powerful tools in our journey.
Your Health and Wellness Ally,
Ola.