I’ve never been a fitness guru or someone who claims to enjoy beads of sweat running down my face and stinging my eyes. I never plan to run a marathon or even a half-marathon. The thought makes my knees automatically feel weak. I’m not in the best or worst shape I’ve been in. And I’m pretty sure I could rock a shirt that says FIT(ish) on it.
Last year I was on this beautiful spiritual journey, seeking God in every situation and place, and finding Him. I’m still on that same spiritual journey – I hope I never get off of it actually – and I’m really learning how to tune my ears to God’s gentle-whisper voice. Around November 2018, I sensed God telling me that He had more for me than what I was letting Him do. I was confused. Hadn’t I surrendered everything to you, Lord? Wasn’t I letting you do whatever you planned for me? The more I questioned, the more I realized a few things. I dedicated time for prayer and devotion, fasted a couple of times throughout the year, and worked to strengthen my relationship with Father. All of those are good. But, while doing those things, I was almost completely neglecting my physical well-being. I developed a food addiction. I got lazy and tried not to care when my clothes got tighter. If I was working on my spiritual well-being, I didn’t need to worry about my physical well-being, right?
Wrong. As January approached, I realized what God was trying to tell me. He wanted me to stop being lazy and over-indulging in my eating habits. It was hard for me to admit I had issues. I tried to reason with God for the better part of December. Christmas came and went, and I had a decision to make. Since I am one who wants anything God is willing to give, it wasn’t a very hard one. God gave me the word LISTEN for 2019, and it was time I did just that. On January 1, I asked God to help me get back on track, break my sugar addiction, commit to eating healthier, and lose weight. I knew I wouldn’t find success unless I invited God into my journey first. It was the best move I could’ve made. To date, I’ve worked out literally every single day since January 1st for 45 minutes to an hour. I’ve cut out sodas completely and replaced them with green tea. I log my diet and exercise in MyFitnessPal. I’ve lost 13 pounds! And I feel amazing.
All of that’s great, but the best part is I’ve learned so much about myself and about our God. I am stronger than I believed I was. I am more capable than I believed I was. I am going to persevere and run this race for God’s glory. And He is with me every step of the way. Always faithful. Always reminding me of who He made me to be.
~ Sarah Kline
