This devotional was originally given at a FAITH RXD West Houston Faith & Fitness Event by their Chaplain, Jake Reed.
I am so blessed for the opportunity to be a chaplain for FAITH RXD. A great organization full of great people. As a CG Trainer and as a follower of Jesus I want to impact as many lives as possible, and I believe the world of fitness and faith go hand in hand.
Today we’ll be looking at Isaiah 41:10, which says, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
What draws you to God? What have you seen and felt that brings you to a place where you would seek Him?
Here is a question! —
Why do we even care or bother? We have these short lives that will undoubtedly end in tragedy, or solitude or sickness.
As I look back on my walk with Jesus, I recently realized a very real truth. That what draws us in is what God uses to send us out.
When I was 13 went with my family to a Power Team show at our church. Basically, the Power Team was a group of huge, strong, muscular dudes that showed off their strength by ripping huge phonebooks, lifting tons of weight, and smashing through stacks of concrete and ice. They did all this and then pointed to God as the source of their strength and shared the gospel and an invitation to accept Jesus and start a walk with God. I accepted.
Flash forward 27 years and now I am on a mission to help others get fit, and also find a strength that is beyond their own.
I have had a growing passion for sharing my faith, and seeing others make a life change, and have realized this calling.
I stepped out in faith to answer my calling and as I have done that, God provided great people along the way. I’ve found FAITH RXD, and also recently became a trainer for Camp Gladiator. This is something I couldn’t have planned. I’m able to coach fitness beginners to veterans, and have a positive impact in their lives.
I could not have planned it, and God definitely knows what he is doing. By bringing me into a place where I would be drawn in by his strength, God gives me strength to strengthen others.
God has done that time and time again. David [from David and Goliath] was not a Beast to look at – He was an un-intimidating shepherd. But he was drawn to God and was called “ a man after God’s own heart.” By following that drawing in his heart, David was given strength, was held up by Gods Victorious Right Hand, and was able to defeat Goliath. He then went on to become a king. The whole time he gave the credit for his strength and victory to God. God gives strength and victory to everyone around Him.
Are you drawn in by God’s strength? Do you see athletics, CrossFit, and overcoming your own obstacles as an act of worship? Maybe it’s music, academics, or charity. These passions inside you are your pathway to having an impact and fulfilling a mission that is only for you! These passions can all be an act of worship.
Maybe… God can speak to countless others through your passion and what you have experienced. Others are attracted to a STRENGTH that is not your own, This is how God can use YOU to make an impact.
BUT! FEAR is real and can hold us all back.
Let me ask that question I asked at the beginning, “Why do we even care or bother? We have these short lives that will undoubtedly end in tragedy, or solitude or sickness.” This is the voice of FEAR !!
God promises a better ending than tragedy, solitude or sickness. A life and afterlife that will prove that FEAR and DEATH itself is a lie. HE promises a life not only of STRENGTH but VICTORY!
So when FEAR has spoken to you, holding you back from moving forward, here is the answer-
Isaiah 41:10
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
So ask yourself again, “What draws you in? What are you passionate about?” Now go and use it for God’s glory.
