We started a morning workout group at church this week. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning we met at 5 a.m. (yes, 5 a.m.!) and sweated together through a half hour video working our abs, butt, and thighs. It didn't feel good to get up so early. It didn't always feel good to work our muscles. It didn't feel good on Tuesday morning when our muscles protested the efforts of the day before. It was hard, so why did we come back on Wednesday and Friday morning? I'll tell you in a minute.
Life can get hard sometimes. Everyone's journey is different, but you can be sure that everyone goes through difficulties from time to time. As you look at the lives of your friends and extended family members, you may think they have it all together and that life is easy, but I can pretty much guarantee that they deal with frustrations and problems on a regular basis.
So what does that mean for us? Do we get depressed because everyone struggles and has problems? Do we give up because life is just too hard?
No, my friends. We can't let ourselves go there. We press on, holding on to the hope that the difficulties will pass and life will get better. We do our best in whatever situation we find ourselves in and we treat others with love and kindness, knowing that they may be struggling with problems of their own.
May is mental health month, so this is a good time to focus on staying healthy emotionally. We do everything we can to keep a positive attitude and stay strong during the trials of life, but when things get overwhelming and we find ourselves struggling too much we need to be willing to ask for help. Maybe we start by asking our spouse or a good friend, but we may need to get professional help from our doctor or a good counselor.
No matter what, we can't give up. We need to keep pressing on. Get help and keep going. As you get through the trial you will hopefully become stronger and the next trial will be a little easier to get through.
Back to our workout group. Why did we come back? We showed up and pressed on through the tough workout because we are hoping that it will get easier. We're hoping that our muscles will work better after pushing them several times a week. I think I could actually notice a little more strength this morning and that will keep me going back for more. I will keep pressing on and look forward to being in better shape.
I don't know where you're at in life right now, dear reader. No matter what, keep pressing on. It will be worth it. I promise.
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." (James 1:2-4 NIV)
Do you need to press on through something right now? How can focusing on God help you to press on and get stronger spiritually, emotionally, and even physically?
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