I was exercising the other day and truly feeling the burn. I’m still sore from the strength training!
But I love it when that happens, because I know it’s working for the good of my body. When I first started working out years ago, however, I had no idea that pain didn’t mean something was wrong.
The first time I did floor aerobics Daily Cup family, I thought I was dying, literally.
My head was swimming. I was gasping for air. The pain tearing through my ligaments felt like someone had set me ablaze, while simultaneously punching me. It was bad.
I remember thinking, “This can’t be healthy or good for me because it hurts too badly.”
But I know better than that now.
That’s what helps me keep going when I feel the discomfort that comes along with getting whipped into shape—physically and spiritually.
Maturity has taught and continues to teach me that pain produces power.
We've all heard it said before: no pain, no gain. But it’s one thing to hear it, and another thing entirely to live it.
You know what though? Some of my deepest hurts turned out to be my greatest helps. They challenged and also changed me for the better. I was stronger and much more powerful afterward and you will be too.
Just know if God allowed this test, it will bring out your best. If you can just realize that this will all work together to bless you, then you won’t allow the momentary discomfort to stress you. My friend, while you’re in it, what seems to make you weak, actually makes you strong… if you don’t give up.
So don’t faint, stop, or throw in the towel now! What started out negatively will end positively.
In the meantime, to help you keep going through the tough times, I’m stirring one of my favorite passages of scripture into your cup of inspiration. It’s found in Proverbs 24:10 which says, “If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.”
When you drink down the contents of your cup, you’ll realize that, in order to build up your strength, stamina, and endurance, you first have to endure something.
Is it unpleasant? Yes. Do you feel the burn? Absolutely! Do you want to retreat and hide away from your problems sometimes? Indeed.
But those are just feelings and you have already been empowered to overcome your feelings with faith.
No matter how hard it gets, hold onto your belief. Hope in God’s word. And don’t concentrate on the pain itself. Rather, focus on the positive results this pain is producing if you endure until the end.
Now let’s pray.
God, today I’m choosing not to focus on the pain, but the power, productivity, and purpose the pain is producing in my life. Thank You for reminding me that what hurts me helps me in the end, because all things are working together for my good according to Your word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
"Can't Give Up Now" by Mary Mary
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!
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