Embarking on a Dual Journey: Your Path to Physical Wellness and Spiritual Growth

What’s going on Ironback Community! We know that starting a workout routine, especially if it's your first time, can feel like a daunting task. The good news is, you're not alone in this journey, and the even better news? The benefits of starting to work out are absolutely worth it. Who cares if you are the smallest or weakest person in the gym initially, use that as motivation to get better and stronger.

If you don't know what machines exercise what body part, take the time to observe other people, or ask someone for a demonstration. The more you go the easier it becomes. Don’t let intimidation get in the way of becoming the best version of you the world deserves to see. So, let's kick those doubts to the curb and get you excited about taking the first step towards a sharper you!

It's a Journey, Not a Sprint. Nothing Happens Overnight:

First and foremost, remember that everyone starts somewhere. Even the most seasoned gym-goers were once beginners. Don't compare your Chapter 1 to someone else's Chapter 20. Your journey is unique, and it's all about progress, not perfection. Hard work, consistency and time will help you get to your goals and take you further than you ever thought imaginable. 

Celebrate Small Wins:

Starting a workout routine is like a treasure hunt; each day brings a new discovery. Celebrate the small wins—whether it's doing one more push-up, running an extra minute, or simply making it to the gym. Know your limits and work with yourself to get where you want to be. These little victories add up and keep you motivated.

Boost Your Confidence:

Working out boosts your self-confidence in remarkable ways. As you see your body becoming stronger and more capable, you'll gain a newfound sense of empowerment that extends beyond the gym. This becomes addictive, believe me. 

Healthier Mind, Healthier Body:

Exercise isn't just about physical health; it's a mind-body transformation. Regular workouts have been shown to reduce stress, improve sleep, enhance focus, and increase overall mental well-being. If you are working out for yourself, work out for those around you and show them that you are being the best you can be. 

It's a Gift to Your Future Self:

Think of exercise as an investment in your future self. The healthier choices you make today will pay off in terms of longevity, vitality, and an improved quality of life.

The same mindset that intimidates people from working out in the gym is the same mindset new believers have that prevents them from getting involved in the church. You have already made the first step in your faith by accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and now it is time to go deeper. So what if you’ve never prayed out loud, memorized scripture or don’t know how to speak in tongues?

You cannot compare your level of faith to the pastors. Change does not happen overnight but if you allow yourself to be faithful to God he will grow and change not only your life but the lives of those around you. You can be sure of one thing, if you do not attempt to start you will be right were you left off.

God Will See You Through To Completion:

Philippians 1:6: "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." 

What makes this verse truly remarkable is its emphasis on God's steadfast dedication to nurturing our spiritual journey towards fulfillment. God desires an intimate relationship with us, encouraging the pursuit of godliness and spiritual maturity. He consistently equips us with the necessary resources to accomplish His plan in our lives. 

Patience Over Pride:

Ecclesiastes 7:8: ”The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride." 

This Bible verse is saying that the final outcome often surpasses the initial state one started in. It suggests that while beginnings may be challenging or imperfect, continuous progress leads to improvement. The verse's essence lies in emphasizing the value of patience and acknowledging that growth doesn't happen instantly. Which is why it states, “patience is better than pride.” Having the humility to recognize that there is growth to be had is better than assuming one is already perfect.

Finish The Race:

1 Corinthians 9:24: "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.”

Similar to how athletes train for a competition, Christians are encouraged to have the same discipline and focus in their walk of faith. Everyone who claims to be a Christian does not receive the ultimate prize (in this case the prize is heaven). So many lose sight on what’s important and stray from the path they are meant to be on. This verse motivates Christians to run their spiritual race with dedication and determination.

Get the Award:

2 Timothy 4:7-8: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing

This passage serves as an encouragement for believers to persevere in their faith and ministries, striving to finish the race of life in a way that honors God and leads to the promise of eternal reward. Nothing worth having is easy to come by. Living everyday as a Christ example is not a walk in the park, but it is possible. God has given us all a unique calling it’s up to us to accept.

Get Sharper.