My Personal Trainer
My son’s marathon coach (he has run 55 full marathons) said to me: “He got his legs from you. Why don’t you let me train you to run a half-marathon.” I was already running three miles almost daily, so I figured “Why not?” So, with grit and determination and my son’s coach giving me the daily training techniques, I was all in. I would go on to run several half marathons.
On clear days, I would run in my community. On rainy days or winter weather, I would run on my treadmill. That treadmill became my friend. I never left it untouched, collecting dust. I continued to listen to my personal trainer. My running shoes were front and center in my closet.
Here I am, several years later and I am still in training – not for getting another medal, but to ensure my body stays fit and strong. I still use all the tools necessary (elliptical equipment, treadmill, weights, bands, etc.) to reach my goals. I want to finish my life race strong.
That’s an analogy for those of us who desire to be our best for God and using all the resources we can for running our spiritual and life race. Of course the Holy Spirit (who lives in us) is our personal trainer. If we listen closely, He’ll even keep us from stumbling on the race track.
And, if we look around our homes, we’ll probably find more than one copy of God’s Word lying about on bookshelves, nightstands, and coffee tables. Many of us have multiple Bible versions — Bibles in leather or hardcover, and Bible apps on our phones.
We have many options for growing our faith muscles. In 2 Timothy 3:14-16, the Apostle Paul said to Timothy, one of his trainees in ministry: “But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.”
The same is true for me and for you. It’s easy to give up or not even try when we think we won’t be good at something. And that’s exactly why we must be intentional about spending time with God and His Word. We need to be fit spiritually, mentally, and physically.
We and our families need to be God’s students — daily gleaning from His teachings and following through on what He says our top priorities should be. God’s Word and prayers are essential in our daily training.
Shouldn’t we lace up our sneakers and walk with our families and friends in all we have been given through the Word of God? May we be “soul” trainers for those around us who need to be examples of “body and soul” victors!
Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.”