Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: WORK OUT (05/20/21)
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TITLE: Good Intentions | Previous Challenge Entry
By Laurie Kiel
05/26/21 -
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The idea seemed so brilliant the day before. My jeans didn't want to zip (shrunk, I'm sure); I was gasping for air on the stairs (all that mask wearing, no doubt); and my scale was telling me horrible lies.
I had to face the facts; I was out of shape and needed to start working out. And so I had set my alarm for an early morning jog. Welllll, that was easily taken care of. I hit snooze and sunk back into my bed and bad habits.
My phone's ringtone sounded. It was Overcomer by Mandisa. "Hi Laurie, it's Jen. Are you going to jog with me this morning?"
"Sure thing," I told her, suppressing a groan. Good thing I had an accountability partner. This workout was on its way.
The next day my alarm once again crashes into my dreams. I stare at the clock. 5:00! That's an hour before my jogging time! Whose harebrained idea was it this time to set my alarm? Oh yeah, still mine. (If only I could blame the dogs like I do when there are dirty dishes in the kitchen.) It seemed like such a brilliant idea. The world had descended into such a dark place. God was feeling far away. I had so many challenges surrounding me.
I had to face the facts; I was out of spiritual shape and needed to start working out. And so, I had set my alarm for an early morning devotional time. Welllll, that was easily taken care of. I hit snooze and once again sunk back into my bed and bad habits.
My phone's ringtone sounded. Overcomer by Mandisa. I consider changing my ringtone. "Hi Laurie, it's Jen. You said you wanted to start praying over the phone together. Are you ready?"
"Sure thing." I tell her, suppressing a sigh. Good thing I had a prayer partner. This workout was on its way.
After praying with Jen, I picked up my Bible. What to read next? I turned to Philippians 2:12 in the NIV.
“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,” Philippians 2:12 NIV
Work out? I turn to the Passion Translation for more insight into the latter part of the verse.
“ Now, you must continue to make this new life fully manifested as you live in the holy awe of God—which brings you trembling into his presence.”
Philippians 2:12b TPT
I did want to fully manifest my new life in holy awe of God. The rest of my workout that day was a beautiful time in the Word. And God revealed to me a beautiful acronym in the word WORKOUT:
WARRING against the strong pull of my covers, which are singing the siren song of “worship later, you need your sleep,” I arise.
OVERCOMING the resistance of my flabby heart that is pulled by the magnet of the siren bed, I open my Bible.
RELISHING the memories of other sweet times of worship and the word, I feed my soul and feast on the banquet of time with the Creator of all I am and all there is.
KNOWING that even though the victory has already been won, sharing in that victory is not easily done, I strengthen my soul.
OWNING the responsibility of taking the time to till the soil of my resistant heart, I fellowship with Jesus.
UNDERSTANDING the depth of the riches of his love, I worship Him.
TAKING the time to accept the gift that was so freely given but bought at a tremendous price, I praise His name.
The next morning, I awaken at 4:55 and shut off my alarm before it has a chance to sound. I call Jen, but I do miss hearing the Mandisa ringtone. "Hey prayer partner, are you ready?" I ask her as soon as she answers.
"Who are you, and what have you done with my prayer partner?" Jen says, with a smile in her voice.
My workout is well on its way.
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Great job.
Blessings~
Thank you.