Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Sport or Fitness (02/15/07)
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TITLE: Finding the Rewards in Working Out | Previous Challenge Entry
By Gay Bechtel
02/22/07 -
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My son is 6'1 and 13 years old. He loves basketball and decided he needed to work out, (buff up is what he would say.) He wants to be a stronger player and be in better shape. After much contemplating we went shopping and bought a weight machine. It has been quite interesting and enjoyable watching my son’s dedication to his workout routine.
We have had some great conversations with him about basketball and how badly did he want to excel? How hard would he work at it and would he take the necessary steps to push himself? I tried to explain to him it doesn’t happen overnight. This takes time. It would take discipline and devotion before he would see the results. In the meantime, he wasn’t to give up because eventually he would see progress being made.
Over time, I couldn’t help but think, Lord, isn’t this how our relationship is with you? Isn’t it a lot like my son getting in shape for basketball or any sport? Doesn’t it take time, discipline, and commitment, and aren’t there necessary steps to be taken before we have developed a relationship with you? There are certain steps we need to follow.
S-Salvation: We need to pray for our salvation before we can move onto the next step in preparing our relationship with God. Once we’ve done that then we will see......
P-Progress: Progress is made after we have devoted our heart to God. He will change our heart and mind and our way of thinking in order to do things in His way. This also will take....
O-Obedience: Just as obedience is used in basketball, we need to follow instructions and rules to live a faithful life with God. Doing this we then will see......
R-Rewards: The rewards will be great, just as they are in winning a game or in the points you’ve scored. God will reward you for coming to Him. He will give us eternal life. It doesn’t mean that we won’t be......
T-Tested: Our faith will be tested sometimes beyond what we think we can bear. Losing a game doesn’t mean you’ve lost the championship. It does, however, prepare you for what lies ahead. A good lesson learned and all of the tests we do encounter will only offer us.....
S-Strength: We will gain strength in our faith, just as my son is gaining strength each day. Working out everyday isn’t as hard as it was in the beginning. He has conditioned himself little by little and his strength is gradually growing stronger. Just like our faith and growth in God will take time and effort, but each day as we work at it, we will become stronger too.
I’m proud of my son and his dedication because he isn’t the best player on the team right now due to his fast growth spurts. He has heart though and determination and his hard work is paying off. The improvements that he has made are evident and I can’t help but to say, “Thank you, Lord. Thank you for showing us that working out has its rewards..... and I know that our relationship with you is the most important workout we’ll ever have ”
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