Catching Your Breath

Originally Written on February 18, 2009

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.
Isaiah 40:28-29

Have you ever been winded? I am talking about that feeling when you start walking up a flight of steps and begin losing your breath. Maybe, like me, you have not played your favorite sport in a while and find that you can’t move as fast as you used to. You used to be able to run like the wind, but now, you just need some wind. This is not to mention the day-after effects of strenuous exercise. Can you feel me now?

Why is it so hard to start exercising and get moving in the right direction? Honestly, it can be painful and involves sacrifice. We would rather sit and eat. It is comforting and nourishing, but are you ready to be empowered? I am not talking about just physically; we need to be empowered spiritually.

Jesus wants us to be healthy Christians. He knows we need rest, so He tells us, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). He knows we like to try to run ahead, so he tells us, “Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD” (Psalms 27:14). He knows we have a hard time listening to instructions, so he tells us, "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalms 46:10a). He also knows we like to run away from spiritual responsibilities, so he tells his disciples, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23b). He knows right where we are, and He uses life to get us right where He wants us to be—like Him.

Getting healthy spiritually will not happen overnight. There is not a magic pill that can be taken to reduce the weight of mixed priorities or exercise for you. It takes daily discipline which is both personal and private yet public and practical.

Here are some ways to keep you from getting winded and out of shape spiritually:
· Read 5 pages each day in your Bible (if your Bible has 1500 pages, you can read all of God’s Word in less than 1 year). Whatever works for you.
· Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Make prayer as essential as breathing.
· Get encouraged by other believers at church. They may be winded too!
· Examine your heart for clogged arteries. Don’t allow unresolved conflicts to go unchecked which could be between you and God or someone else; the Great Physician already sees your heart.
· Give generously- Time, attention, money, talents
· Train others in following Christ- Teach unbelievers and believers the value of a cross-centered life!
· Focus on the goal! – “Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1b-2).

It may be difficult to start exercising your physical body and your faith. Start off small and stay focused. You have a cross to carry one step at a time. Daily discipline can be demanding, but remember Psalms 34:5, “Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.”

Shaping Up,
Brian Johnson