Ready:
“Therefore we do not give up. Even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day. For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory.” –2 Corinthians 4:16-17
Set:
You spend hours training your body and mind to be in peak condition, so you can be and play your best. In our spiritual life, we endure training that strengthens our spiritual muscles, our mind, body and spirit, to live in light of the Gospel and to share in the Kingdom that is coming.
How do we train ourselves for Kingdom living through these methods?
Bible Reading
Meditate, or focus on, who God is and who He says He is in His Word. The more we stay connected to God through Scripture, and the more we memorize verses and invite His Word to transform our heart, the more we can pull from as references when we fun into situations in life where we can look to what God says and can stand on His truth.
Community
Being with others is important. Surrounding ourselves with other believers who are living and working out their faith is something God designed for us. If we are scared, discouraged or hurting, we have friends who will come alongside us and encourage us and call us forward in hope through God’s promises and character.
Prayer
Prayer points us closer to the heart of God. By taking time to be still with the Lord and listen for Him, we can learn to know what His voice sounds like. And when we learn His voice, we learn what He cares for, and how He whispers to us and wants to share things with us. And He wants to hear what is on our hearts too, as He cares and longs for relationship.
We are being sharpened to look more and more like Jesus. It’s character building, preparing us for a glory that lasts when we look like Jesus and offer praise and glory to God through how we live, what we think and say and even how we compete. Though training is hard, it’s worth it in the long run as we are strengthened and persevere.
Go:
Which would you like to grow in: Bible reading, community or prayer?
What steps can you take today to grow in the area you chose?
Pick a Scripture to memorize, invite someone to study the Bible together or spend a few minutes praying and listening for God.
Workout:
Overtime:
Lord, thank You that You have given me a way to train and strengthen my faith. Thank You for showing me that the only glory that lasts is Yours, and that I can be part in shining Your glory to others. Help me grow closer to you and grow my confidence that You are my protector and worthy of all praise. In Jesus’ name, amen.