"Hard" The Saboteur
By: Linda Carol Baker
"Lord, this is too hard. It hurts and I don't want to do it! Am I worth all this effort?" Finally, I admitted my true feelings. Ever feel that way
about exercise and fitness too?
The first step of change is "Awareness" and I have been asking Jesus to show me why I have been repeatedly failing. That admission revealed that
my saboteur is named "Hard".
Are you like me? I don't want to count calories, exercise, or use portion control with my food. I want life to be effortless, simple, smooth,
painless and joyous everyday. It's not! The reality is that life is hard every day and change is an uncomfortable process.
Saboteur "Hard" comes to me in many disguises. Cry baby "Hard" says.
"Poor me, this is beyond my strength. I wish somebody would help me. I'm so alone. If only somebody would do it for me!" Angry "Hard" says, "I've had
it. I've given this my best effort and nothing works. I quit!" Tough "Hard'
says, "I will do it alone. I've always had to face life alone, why should now be any different? I don't need help from
anybody!" Martyr "Hard" says, "This is so hard. But even though I know I'm doomed to failure, I'll just
keep trying." Hope is robbed from my heart when I allow "Hard" to stand nose to nose with me. I can only see an unhealthy body that will never
change in my minds eye. "Hard" blocks the view of my reality with Christ.
Christ is not caught off guard by this little saboteur. His word tells us in James 1:2-4 to consider it joyful when we encounter trial or hard
places. My first fleshly reaction to that was, "are you crazy? How can there be joy in hardness?" Praise God, He is not afraid of honest
questions! You see, according to Romans 5:3-5, trials and hard circumstances are necessary for us to grow in endurance, proven character
and receive a hope from Him that will never disappoint us. Furthermore, Father does not expect us to handle life in our own inadequate strength. He
empowers us to live through Christ's strength, Philippians 4:13. That includes empowering us to regain our fitness.
The joy in hardness comes as we become increasingly aware of God's participation in our daily circumstances. I know from experience that this
is true. For the first time I have joy exercising and controlling food portions as I participate in Workouts For Women.
Having identified "Hard" the saboteur brings me to the second step of change
which is responsibility. God has given me responsible liberty to choose actions and reactions. I can ignore "Hard" and hope he'll just vanish or I
can face him, in Christ, and move through to victory. Accepting responsibility and choosing victory means growing pains.
The third step of change is called, replacement. This is the time I rely heavily on the Holy Spirit's counsel to lead me one manageable step at a
time. I had to start as a Rookie 1 but someday with the Lord's help, I will be strong enough to progress to the next level of physical fitness.
Forgiveness, step 4 of change, follows closely on the heels of step three, because (surprise!),
I am not a perfect person. I don't always make the right choices with food or exercise. But, the truth is that I make less
mistakes as Jesus transforms my life and this keeps me moving forward to step
five. Practice. When I make a mistake with food or exercise I just put it behind me and ask God to help me move forward. The more I walk in God's
ways the easier it becomes. I know Him better and that is the adventure and the joy in the midst of trials.
PRAISE GOD!
Linda Carol Baker is a freelance writer and former weight loss
consultant. Her credentials include a B.S. in Organizational Management emphasizing
Management of Human resources, plus some training in coaching and in
counseling classes at Denver Seminary. She is a wife, Bible teacher, and delights in encouraging
people.
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