Have you ever been in training for a sport, a race, or a contest of strength? Have you ever been in a situation where you really had to push yourself? Has your body ever surprised you with its ability to endure?

You've all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You're after one that's gold eternally. I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. No sloppy living for me! I'm staying alert and in top condition. I'm not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.
-1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (The Message)

I think there are times when we push our bodies to their limits. There may also be times when you have noticed your heart and mind have one idea of what you are capable of, but your body has a different perspective. We are so much more than just our physical being. Our body is a vessel for our spirit, soul, and creativity.

Begin this week by acknowledging that YOU are so much more than your physical self with its limitations. You are created in the image of the one true God.

Paul also wrote in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10: "...but he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.' So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong."

Go now confident even in your weakness, in your sorrow, in your shortcomings, knowing that even in the middle of it all, Christ remains powerful within you.

Prayer for Today

Creator God,  With your Spirit in me, help me to see myself as you see me. Help me to see my neighbor as you see her. Help me to see my friend as you see him. Help me to see my enemy as one who is also created in your image. In Christ's Name, Amen.