Transformation Series Episode 11

Transformation Series Episode 11

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Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.  Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.

Hello, my walking friend! Do you consider yourself an athlete or are you a casual 10 minute at a time walker? Maybe you are building up your walking muscles so that, one day, you can go further than you ever thought. But more important than the leg muscles you are strengthening during these 10 minute walks is the spiritual muscles you are building. Today, during our walk, we are going to spend some time thinking about that.

Today is the 11^th episode in the transformation series and our verse to meditate on is 1 Corinthians 9:25-26:

Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.

Have you ever competed in an athletic competition? Maybe when you were in school? Maybe as an adult? When I was a kid, I didn’t play in any organized sports but I did compete in horse riding competitions. It took hours and hours of practicing and riding and training the horse, since we were partners in the competition, really. And if we won, well, we would get a very fancy ribbon. 

I sold my horse when I got married and never competed in anything athletic until I turned 50. Then I decided I wanted to try entering a half-marathon. I wouldn’t say my intention was to compete against anyone else – it was really something I wanted to do for myself. And if I completed the course within the approved timeframe, I would get a fancy medal. I wanted that medal.

So my daughter gave me a training routine and for weeks before the race, I worked on developing my stamina and muscles so that I could complete those 13.1 miles in the alloted time. I had no delusions that I would actually run the race – the best I could hope for was an occasional jog sprinkled in between my fast walking. Even though I had trained for weeks before, it was still a challenge to complete the course – but I did! And I got that fancy bling at the end of the race. I went on to complete 3 other half-marathons after that. I still would in no way consider myself an athlete! Especially now! I am very out of shape. It would take a lot of training to even consider another half-marathon. 

And that is what the apostle Paul is saying to us – look at yourself like a spiritual athlete. Just like you would never consider signing up for an athletic event, like a half-marathon without some training, you can’t expect to go into a spiritual battle without training. This is your training time! If you are spiritually out of shape, that’s okay! Keep doing this – keep building those spiritual muscles like we do during these 10 minute walks. Spending time contemplating the word of God. Spending time in prayer with the Lord. Developing the spiritual muscles of silence and meditation.  Remember what Paul said, you are racing for a crown more valuable than any race medal here on earth.

Now let’s take a little time to meditate on 1 Corinthians 9:25-26:

Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.

You are now at the halfway point of your walk. If you need to be back in 10 minutes, this would be the time to turn around and head back.

The second half of our walk is an opportunity for reflection, meditation, and prayer. For many of us, myself included, this might feel challenging. But the spiritual rewards, and transformation, that come from developing this discipline is great and so is the power of the Holy Spirit to help us. So let’s start with some questions that will guide you in the process of reflection. 

What does spiritual training look like to you? Take some time to consider what it takes to be spiritually fit.

Listen to Ephesians 6:14-17:
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Part of our spiritual training includes being prepared for spiritual warfare. Is there a part of your spiritual armor that you need to reinforce? Consider that now.

If you were trying to transform you physical body, you would probably include some exercise. How does it make you feel to know that you are exercising some spiritual disciplines, like quiet time with Jesus, when you go on these 10 minute walks? Do you feel your spiritual life being transformed one walk at a time?

Now let’s listen to today’s verse one last time:

1 Corinthians 9:25-26:

Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.

Is there anything else you would like to talk to Jesus about? Anything going on in your life? Remember he is right there with you, walking with you, and he is eager for you to share all that is on your heart and mind with him. Take some time to talk to him now.

Now I am going to pray for us:

Dear Jesus,

You are the most encouraging personal trainer, the most loving coach we could ever ask for. Thank you for running along side us every step of our race. Thank you for empowering us so we can flex our spiritual muscles. Thank you for giving us the Bible, our guidebook to real transformation. We love you and we need you and we want to bless your name. Amen.

Well, my walking friend, you did it! Another 10 minutes of walking and another opportunity to build the spiritual discipline of prayer and quiet time with Jesus, your spiritual personal trainer. I’m grateful for you and I’m grateful you took the time to walk with me today. 

For more Walk with Jesus resources, including the Walk with Jesus 21 day scripture, devotional, and guided prayer journal book for walkers, go to WalkWithJesusDevotional.com. You will find the URL for the show notes for this podcast in the episode description.

 I hope we can walk together again tomorrow, friend, as we continue our process of transformation. Until then, God bless you as you walk with Jesus.