Hebrews 12:12,13
Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed.
We’ve got the imagery of an out of shape athlete who is preparing for a race. If he doesn’t get into shape, he will be injured. This involves training. He needs to start running. This will also involve some trips to the gym. How does this apply spiritually? We apply the spiritual disciplines. 1) Reading and studying the Word, 2) praying, 3) discipleship, 4) worship, 5) serving and more. This is not training for a casual 5k, but a competitive race which will test the runner. This is intentional. Some days will involve workouts to build cardio, other days will work on strength, etc. The race has many aspects which the trainer will put much thought into how to prepare. What is the state of our christian life? Are we fast walkers or athletes? This is in the context of discipline and trials. We should view these as sprints and other drills. We should view God as our trainer. We shouldn’t resist and complain, but be the athlete who is eager and wants to know what’s next. The trials are those things that happen to us. Our response is to have a good attitude with a dependance on God. The drills are the discipline that we are to incorporate in our lives.
Self assessment: presently I read and journal every morning that I can. This ends up being about four times per week. On the 10th, 20th and 30th (there about) of the month I praise (worship), prayer & prophets (read large chunks-entire books of the Bible). I will also do any of the three at random times. My ministry has been counseling. I had to pause that while in night classes. My discipling relations aren’t formal ones. However, I have several bible studies in which I minister to younger (less mature) guys. I do have a couple of relationships inwhich I receive from guys more mature than I.
Lord, help us to train well. Give us maturity to respond well and the discipline to work on the drills on our own time.