" In the middle of the race" - Part 2

Last week I discussed some steps to help us to keep going when we feel like we're struggling "in the middle of the race" of faith.  Today I wanted to discuss spiritual muscle and stamina.

The author of Hebrews uses the image of the Christian life like being a long distance race.  Marathon runners require a strict regime of training over a long period of time to produce the stamina, strength and a endurance needed to run a marathon.  To achieve this, one must learn discipline and accept discipline from their trainer who understands what needs to happen in order for their athlete to win the race.  God disciplines us to help us run the "race marked out for us".  How does God train us?  One way is that He uses hardships and tough times as part of his methods.  "Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons" (Hebrews 12:7).   Why does his discipline us?  So "we may share in his holiness".   God wants us to look like his son Jesus and that requires him to do some hard stuff on our hearts in order to transform our inner being to be like Christ.  "No discipline is pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it" (Hebrews 12:11).  When received submissively, God's discipline is good and beneficial for us.

I know the pain of God chiseling away on my life and I know that there is alot more work for him to do.  Is God chiseling away in your life at the moment?  Don't despair but be encouraged "because the Lord disciplines those he loves" (Hebrews 12:6).

God also tells us to  live lives that don't hinder us  or others spiritually, ""Make level paths for your feet", so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed." (Hebrews 12:13).  We are called to be characterised by upright conduct so as to help and not hinder the spiritual and moral welfare of others.  Our conduct is shaped by our habits, our habits are molded by our thoughts, and our thoughts are driven by our heart's desires.  When sin motivates our hearts the effect is played out in our actions.  But when we allow Christ to work on our hearts, the evidence is also there "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Against such things there is no law. " (Galations 6:22-23).   The spiritual disciplines of prayer, study, meditation, fasting, submission, confession, worship, solitude, simplicity and celebration (see Richard Foster's book Celebration of  Discipline) are the ways we can put ourselves before God during those times of hardship so that his Spirit can transform our hearts.  This is how our spiritual muscle grows.  These disciplines are not taskmasters or an end to themselves but exercises that build endurance and strength for the road of growth. The more we practise them, the closer we grow to  God and the more we understand that it is only by relying on God and not ourselves that we truly live.  So persevere and focus on Christ.  Through Christ we are changed, strengthened,  renewed and able to weather life's storms.


Question:  Is your spiritual muscle weak and dying  or  healthy and growing?  What is the next step for you?