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I write to you this morning with an aching back and sore legs. I’ve already informed my husband I may not be able to walk tomorrow.
This comes as a result of some lifestyle changes I made at the turn of the new year. After a few years of a workout hiatus I decided to give it a go again.
And since working out requires fuel for your body to burn, I also changed my “grab whatever’s in front of me” eating habits into ones more likely to keep me from falling out on the floor.
So three times a week my alarm screams at me to the tune of 4:35 a.m. I hit it, drag myself out of bed and stumble out the door. I’d love to tell you it’s because of the amazing results. I’d love to talk of my killer abs and bulging biceps. But the truth is you don’t get results like that in a week – or two. Can I get an Amen?
Results bloom from the roots of repetition. And our bodies aren’t the only fruit on this tree.
Continue to work out your salvation, with great fear and trembling, because God is energizing you so that you will desire and do what always pleases Him.” Philippians 2:12b-13 (VOICE)
Our salvation needs a squat press, too, it seems. But just what does that look like? When I look at this verse, 3 things jump out at me.
#1 Continue
Keep on doing it. That thing that makes you wonder if anyone notices. The one you wish demanded less of you. The thing that knocks on your door every day, again and again and you feel like it has long-since over stayed its welcome. That thing that God whispers: “Continue.”
Do another load of laundry, Mom. Your discipline speaks louder than you know.
Bring him one more glass of water, sweet wife. Your selflessness leads in ways you can’t count.
Say one more prayer, friend. God hears you. Every time.
Sing one more note. Write one more word. Smile one more smile. Continue. Results are budding.
#2 Not in your own strength
You may be glancing back up at our verse and wondering where I got these words from. So let me show you. In the Amplified Bible Philippians 2:13 reads like this,
[Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight.”
I love how God includes this as we talk about working out our salvation. Because it seems the harder we work the heavier we rely on ourselves. We follow God into his will then leave him at the open door and set off to make him proud.
But these things God calls us to continue in and reminds us to continue with him, continue in his strength, reach for his hand, and lean on his power.
#3 God is energizing you
Okay, I have a confession to make. In the very midst of writing this post I had the opportunity to cheat. Remember that health kick I told you about? Well, a big, juicy, burger smothered in queso is not on that menu. It is, however, on the menu of our local burger joint. And, oh my goodness, it is gooood.
So my super supportive husband got a craving for one of these burgers. As we all hopped in the car on our way to grab that burger I sought confirmation from Luke that it was totally fine to splurge this one time. But approval or no approval I kept hearing this one word in my heart, “Continue.”
I rationalized that God wouldn’t possibly care if I fudged this one little time. After all, I’m kind of starving over here and it’s been more than 2 weeks since I’ve had a piece of bread! But let me assure you the minute your flesh starts wheeling and dealing with God, you have your answer.
Somehow, against all odds, I ordered a salad instead of a burger. And the only reasonable explanation I can give you is this, “God is energizing you so that you will desire and do what always pleases him” (Phil. 2:13).
God wants more for you than even you do. As you continue with him, he will energize you for his will, his work and the wealth of his riches.
Let’s do this together, friend!
Pray for God’s help in pressing on and letting go as you physically show your commitment to give him those things and
CONTINUE ON
NOT IN YOUR OWN STRENGTH as
GOD IS ENERGIZING YOU.
Copyright © 2021 by Katy McCown @ https://katymccown.com/2015/01/20/pure-energy-to-keep-you-moving/. No part of this article may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from Lifeword.org.