During the latter half of
my third pregnancy I began having some issues with mobility, particularly on the right side. These issues were eventually resolved but would later revisit me in
my fourth and final pregnancy. After a few years of visiting various doctors,
physical therapies and injections I finally opted for a right sided S.I. Joint
Fusion in the summer of 2013.
Prior to these issues I
was very active and considered myself to be in even greater shape at that point
of my life then when I was younger. The recovery was long lasting and almost
two years later I still experience some limitations. Here recently, I decided
that in spite of these limitations I needed to be more active. Since the
surgery I’ve worked out here and there but not with any consistency. I decided
that no matter how small a start returning to physical fitness was a feat I was
determined to accomplish.
The other day while
jogging, yes jogging, an activity I hadn’t done years prior to my final
pregnancy or surgery because of two injured knees I had a revelation. My right
hip is often stiff, a side effect from the fusion I’m sure, and sometimes it
takes a while to get in motion. At the outset of the run I was experiencing a
little pain from the stiffness, but I noticed the longer I ran the less pain I
felt, until I eventually felt no pain at all. This very physical activity
referenced a spiritual one.
Often in life we find
ourselves facing some very intense struggles, battles and situations. These very things often cripple a person to
the point where they struggle to live fully. Sure, they are alive physically
but with each step taken they feel the crushing weight of life’s challenges
holding them back. It was in that moment as I was jogging that I discovered if I
pushed past that which was causing so much discomfort I would break through those
very hindrances that were holding me back. Paul is one of the writers of the
Bible that is often quoted. I love Paul as I can relate much to the man
and definitely to his message.
“Therefore I run in such a
way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so
that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.” I
Corinthians 9:26-27
I
like the fact that Paul used such a relatable concept in the way of sports.
Being in a Roman dominated society I’m sure he was well equated with the Roman
world of sports. He understood that laying hold of something would require
discipline. It would require intense and unswerving fixation on a goal along
with the training and exercise to obtain it. As a believer this is what we do
when we encounter life. Being a believer does not exempt us from the effects of
life, being a believer empowers us to rise above them. In the physical many thrive
from having a partner to help push and motivate them toward reaching their goal
but we are also afforded assistance in the spiritual world. Believers have the
best training partner in the way of our Lord, the great I AM.
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power
of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in
the Lord
will renew their strength. They will
soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow
weary, they
will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:29-31
Consequently,
in that same exercise session I was enlightened with another revelation. When I
awakened the next morning I was slightly sore in my oblique area. I could not
figure out why when it hit me that the previous day I did approximately 20 side
bends on both the left and right sides. This wasn’t an extensive amount of
exercise and I couldn’t understand why this would leave me sore. I then
realized these were muscles that have been severely underutilized and any amount of
training would produce a physical effect. The same is true within our spiritual
walk when facing difficulties. As challenging as it may be spending a small amount
of time in prayer, praise and worship will produce not only a physical effect
but a spiritual one as well. Time spent in these devices will uplift the soul
and strengthen the spirit. The more you continue in those small efforts the
greater the advancements you will make.
But
one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies
ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of
the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14
