Spiritual Frustration
As I've increased my time trying to get into shape, I'm getting a bit frustrated. I'm trying to walk at least 2-4 miles and do100-200 squats every day. I'm lifting weights to build muscle and eating correctly to lose weight, but I'm seeing minimal results. I'm at the 3 week mark and this is usually the most critical point for me. Just as my body is beginning to transition, I feel a great need to eat pizza, sweets and anything else I can get my hands on! My body aches and the couch is crying out my name!
It's decision time! How much do I really want change and is it worth the work and sacrifice? At this point I have to decide if being stronger and healthier is enough, even If the results aren't immediately apparent to myself or anyone else...
It's very much the same process when it comes to spiritual growth. You start out by making up your mind to seek God more and read your Bible every day. Oh, the enthusiasm as you begin the process! Won't God be proud?! You're making an effort to get to know Him and surely you'll experience immediate change, hear His voice and feel His presence even as your making the decision...
Weeks go by and maybe you don't get the results you desire or maybe He's waiting for you to persevere and keep pushing...just because He's worth it and you love Him... deeply deeply love Him! You realize that time spent pursuing Him is always worth it! You may waste time surfing social media or watching television, but not one moment of your time with Jesus is ever wasted!
The enemy may try to convince you that God is rejecting you and you're just not good enough to get closer to Him. The truth is you have no power to change until you do.
Just as a decision to continue exercising and eating well will eventually reap physical benefits... pressing into Jesus with worship, prayer and Bible study will suddenly unplug a well within your soul that will burst out of your heart, change your life and bring healing to those around you!
He has a plan for your life. You are priceless to Him and He's specifically designed a work that only you can accomplish. There are lives that He desires to touch, heal, save and set free through you, but it must start with sacrifice. Sacrifice of your time, will, talents, thoughts and desires. While that may sound like a great price to pay... the exchange is absolutely incredible! They are replaced with peace, joy, wisdom, a sound mind and His strength, anointing, dreams and desires... IT'S SO WORTH IT!!!
My heart's cry!
Psalm 27:4 (TPT) Here’s the one thing I crave from God, the one thing I seek above all else:I want the privilege of living with Him every moment in His house, finding the sweet loveliness of His face, filled with awe, delighting in His glory and grace. I want to live my life so close to Him that He takes pleasure in my every prayer.
Matthew 22:37-38 (TPT) Jesus answered him, “‘Love the Lord your God with every passion of your heart, with all the energy of your being, and with every thought that is within you.’ This is the great and supreme commandment.
Matthew 6:33 (ESV) “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Matthew 10:38-39 (ESV)“And anyone who does not take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.”
