While I was pregnant with our first daughter Kyla I gained 40 pounds.
I was heavier than I had ever been in my life. But after power walking in the park, eating healthy, and nursing the baby, I was able to lose it. Then, along came baby number two. That time, I gained a whopping 50 pounds.
After giving birth, I breastfed Kaiah—same as with Kyla—and did some power walking.
But the extra weight didn’t go away. It wasn't enough. I couldn't seem to shed those pounds. But then, one night, I was up late. There was nothing on but infomercials. So I ended up watching a marketing pitch for Winsor Pilates.
Mesmerized, I got my credit card out, called the number on the screen, and made the purchase.
The first week of replicating the moves was rough. The muscle-building exercises were so hard I literally thought I was dying! My head was swimming and my body ached horribly. But I stuck with it.
Sure enough, after a couple months, I saw the amazing results and was able to get into tip-top shape again. While the fitness routine was a good thing, I picked up something along the way that wasn't so healthy.
I had grown completely dependent on programs and "experts" to guide me all the time.
I suppose my body's lack of reaction to my independent fitness efforts before purchasing a professional workout program, convinced me that I was incapable of getting fit on my own.
So, after the Pilates triumph, each time a new baby came, I would look for a never-before-used program. As we all know, there is always a flavor of the month workout or fad diet on the market. Though I've never been one for yo-yo dieting, working out to a DVD-based fitness regimen was definitely my thing.
Eventually, though, I went way overboard with it.
I looked around and saw I had all—and I do mean all— the Pilates workouts for thighs, butt, arms, abs, back, total body, and stretch bands.
You name it. I had it: The Firm; Billy Blanks' Taebo workouts; and even the Walk Away the Pounds series.
I just kept escalating, until I had a massive library.
And by the way, who needs somebody to tell them how to walk in place? Dianna Hobbs, that’s who!
I was out of control Daily Cup family, really.
Thankfully, I've learned quite a bit since then. I haven't purchased any new workouts in quite some time and I have continued to exercise on my own—though not always consistently—with good results.
In fact, at this moment, I am feeling pretty sore from the effects of an excellent total body workout I did independently, with no Mari Winsor or Billy Blanks, or whoever is hot in fitness right now.
Of course, I didn't share this story with you to bash fitness programs, because there's nothing wrong with them. It is the obsession over them and lack of confidence in my own ability that was unhealthy for me. The purpose of this post is to extract an important truth from my own experience to help you.
Here it is.
If you never believe in yourself, you will forever be groping for someone or something outside of yourself to do what you already have the power to do on your own. You will be overly dependent, when God is trying to mold you into a strong, confident, independent person.
Until you see that there is no special formula, hidden magic, or secret method for accomplishing your divinely inspired dreams, you'll be forever chasing a nonexistent standard of perfection. The saddest thing of all is you will be running after what already lies within.
My friend, you can do and be all God created you to do and be. He has invested so much in you, but first, you've got to see it.
The Holy Spirit has empowered you for the task. All that’s left to do is get busy!
To help you remember you already have it, I’m stirring Acts 1:8a NIV into your cup of inspiration. It says, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you…”
When you drink down the contents of your cup you will recognize that, because the Holy Spirit is in you, you have everything it takes to get it done.
Did you know that word “power” in Acts 1:8 is translated “Dunamis” in the Greek, which means, ability, efficiency and might?
It is the same word that appears in Ephesians 3:20, which says, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power (Dunamis) that is at work within us.” (NIV)
His ability has been implanted in our body and we are capable of doing all things through Christ.
Whatever your goals are, whether they be in the area of finance, fitness, family, career, business—whatever—know that the power, ability, efficiency, and might you need, is already in you... because GOD is in you.
Isn’t that good news?
So stop watching others and begin working what you’ve already got.
Go… and God will be with you.
Let’s pray.
God, thank You for this word today, letting me know I have the power to do everything You’ve called me to do! Please help me not to look around me for answers, but to look inside me, for the Greatest One of all dwells within according to 1 John 4:4. Today, I choose to move in faith and walk in the power of Your strength which is working through me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!
If you need prayer, don't hesitate to request it. I would be honored to stand in faith with You. I know that prayer works. CLICK HERE to learn how to submit your prayer request.
