Usually, “No pain, no gain!” echoes in our mind when it comes to exercising. Most of us are willing to endure the sore muscles in confident hope of increased strength or improved physique. Then, with the benefit of group exercise our motivation is amplified.

This is a little harder when it comes to eating healthier. The mental and (usually imagined) physical discomfort becomes more trying when it is just so much easier to eat our typical food choices, especially when others around us are not under the same conviction.

Perhaps the most challenging reality of ‘no pain, no gain’ relates to our spiritual condition.

Do you struggle with having a routine for exercising your faith?

Have you wrestled with why that is?

Let’s consider some common reasons we might feel resistance.

-          The evil one wants to derail our relationship with God through Jesus. Satan slips in lies to try to get us to question God’s truths, his love for us, and his purpose for us.

-          Without someone to encourage us in our daily faith walk, it can be hard to stay motivated. That is why we are to encourage one another in the Lord and glorify him together.

-          We can get frustrated and give up so quickly when we fall down spiritually, rather than allowing the Holy Spirit to help us get back up and press on. Keeping our eyes on Jesus enables us to follow him. And, because he understands our temptations and is faithful, he will help us in our walk with him.

-          Our selfishness is constantly trying to interject itself in our daily matters. This is our default mode (albeit a sinful mode) and is comfortable for us.

We have to work against this resistance as Christ followers. Doing so takes intention, constantly surrendering our will to God’s.

How does the pain in exercising our faith produce gain?

-          There is pain in persecution, but it helps spread the gospel. Others can see the light of God’s glory and the willing suffering for his truth, which stirs hearts towards Christ.

-          God’s discipline can feel unpleasant, but he uses it to shape our heart toward his. God disciplines those he loves, like a father to a child. It produces righteousness and peace.

-          Giving up ingrained sin can be difficult, but it is part of the sanctifying process. As we embed God’s Word in our heart and mind, the Holy Spirit will bring those truths to our attention to direct us to what honors God.

-          The renewing of our mind brings about transformation. The Holy Spirit does God’s work in us, but we need to allow him to do this. Renewing implies not remaining the same nor getting worse.

The changes God brings about in us through Jesus are beautiful and exciting – and a choice we have to allow him to do in us each day.

Start (or extend) your faith exercises by memorizing God’s truths using a Heart Training book – Keep on Track, Follow and Lead, Do LAPS!, and the new Do LAPS! Volume 2!