Are You Growing Strong Inside?

*Are you growing strong spiritually? What are some ways to ensure you’re exercising your spiritual muscles so you can become a godly woman of strength?

I can’t say exactly when it started.

But I’m pretty sure it began when I could no longer pick up our little girl. The one whose legs won’t work for her.

Especially as she’s not so little anymore. She’s nearly the same size as me.

So when she’s on the floor . . . but needs to be in her wheelchair . . . and I’m the only one home . . .

We had a definite dilemma.

And I have to tell you it troubled this mama’s heart. Something terrible.

My husband caught me standing over her one day with tears filling my eyes.

Being a let-me-fix-it kind of guy, he insisted, “Just let me pick her up. I’m strong enough to do the job.”

Now please understand that I was grateful for his offer. But it didn’t truly solve my problem because that man of mine isn’t always home.

Sometimes it’s only me.

And her on the floor.

So you can see why I needed to figure out some way – some very desperate way – to make myself strong.

And that’s when I remembered how my friend Audrey had been trying to convince me to take some of her classes at the Barre3 studio. To workout and strengthen. To sweat.

But it all sounded so painful.

And took time.

And effort.

And pain (did I already mention this?).

But then again, a woman will do anything when determined, and so I started in.

Began working on “my core”—their lingo for growing strong from the center of your body. And I should tell you that my legs shook and my arms ached. Feeling dizzy as I was stretched to my outer limits.

But do you want to know what happened over time?

You guessed it.

I grew strong.

And about six weeks into it, something happened.

I looked down at the little girl whose legs won’t work . . .

and picked her right up.

Yep. Just like that!

A near miracle.

Are You Growing Strong Inside?

So what about you?

Do you have something heavy that you’re having a hard time picking up?

Maybe it’s not a little girl. Maybe it’s a relationship. Or a problem. Or a burden. Or a trial.

Did you know there are things you can do to grow strong inside?

There are.

It’s going to take time. Effort. And maybe even some pain.

But if you purpose to grow, you’ll be so glad you did.

Because even though that thing – that person, relationship, weight, trial – will not necessarily change . . .

Your ability to carry it will.

What It Takes to Grow Strong Inside

1.  Discipline

Let’s admit that we sometimes shudder at this word. Because we know it’s going to cost us.

It’s going to mean we have to give up comfort or pleasure or ease. It might require us to get up earlier to spend time reading the Bible. Or less time scrolling through Instagram and more time praying for the need. Might have to stretch yourself to say a kind word when what you really want to do is scream.

This is the hard work of it all. To do the right thing, even when you don’t feel like it. To do it day after day, until the time comes when you realize you’ve conquered. That area that used make you feel weak or scared? Has now become your strength.

2. Determination

For me, this was the turning point. Because for several years I’d been saying that “I should” get in shape, but it wasn’t until I determined – motivated by my deep desire to pick up my daughter off the floor –  to do it that it finally happened.

So if you’ve had a sense there’s an area you need to grow in, but haven’t gotten around to doing anything about it? Here’s your chance. Determine to make the change. Do what it takes to get you where you want to be.

Sometimes that’s as simple as saying to God, Yes, I will do that thing You’ve been asking me to do.  I will grow in that area You’ve been asking me to grow. I will take those steps You’ve been asking me to take. 

3. Patience

And here’s the rub. You don’t get strong overnight. It takes time and consistent effort.

At the end of my first week of workouts, I didn’t feel strong. All I felt was sore. But slowly, very slowly, I started to build strength. Until finally one day I realized that I’d made it through the entire workout without stopping.

And then there was that great day when I found I’d grown strong enough to lift that girl right up. From floor to chair.

So if you want to grow spiritually? Let me encourage you.

I’m not saying it will be necessarily easy and you might feel some growing pains.

But it will be worth it.

Because, sister, you’ll be growing strong inside.

*Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Josh.1:9)

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”(2 Tim.2:15)

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.”(Eph.6:10)

In His grace,