Faith and Pace

“But [God] said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9.

1. What does the passage say?
2. What does it mean to you today?
3. What does it change in your life?

If you were to ask ten people if they believe exercise is good for their health and well-being, how many of them do you think would raise their hands? If you guessed nine out of ten, you would match what we all intuitively know to be true. Exercise is good for us. But what do you think is the number one exercise that will help you feel younger, ramp up a sluggish metabolism, reduce and manage your weight, boost your energy, increase cardiovascular endurance, improve muscular tone and strength, enhance sleep, reduce stress, and bring joy and youthfulness back to your life?

The number one exercise to help you attain all of these benefits is the one you will actually do. Despite all the research surrounding the benefits of regular exercise, the only one that will make a difference is the program you will do consistently.

But we have a problem. Only about half of us exercise three or more days a week. The amazing health and life-changing benefits of exercise we all know about don’t motivate the majority of us to get off the sofa or easy chair and move.

Let’s get to the bottom of this. What if you wanted to exercise? What if you were inspired and truly motivated to lace up your gym shoes and go for a walk, a run, or a hike? What if you moved from thinking, “I know I should exercise” to “I can’t wait to exercise” and, by integrating motion with devotion, you could grow closer and stronger in your relationship with God?

Throughout this week, as part of the Daniel Fast, thank God for the many blessings He has given you. Take a couple of stretch breaks throughout the day to remember that this journey is about grace and pace. It’s not a sprint, nor a final destination. When you allow God to change your mind from a “have to” mentality to a “get to,” it allows room for grace and pace for yourself and for others.

Discussion Questions:

1. Meditate on 2 Corinthians 12:9.
2. Take several stretch breaks throughout the day.
3. Take the time to consider what small things can make a big difference in your fasting, your exercise and your walk with God.
4. Ask God to remind you that your strength comes from Him and that any small step toward better health is a step that will honor God.