“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;” – 2 Corinthians 4:17
It has been five weeks since I have embarked on my health journey. While it has not been tremendously difficult, it has not been easy either. For the physical aspect of my health, I find I must be self-disciplined, taking care to follow the food plan, measure my food, eat as I have planned out, and drink my water. I also must have the right foods in my pantry and refrigerator, but most importantly, I must remember my “why.” My “why” is the reason I started this journey. In a sense, it is the reward for which I seek in my physical body. I want to be able to be more active, feel less aches and pains in my joints, and overall, to have a healthy body. But like anything that is worthwhile in working for, there are “light afflictions” in this journey. There are times when the scale goes up a bit, times when I fail to get up and move, and times when I just don’t want any more water! But those moments are only temporary. I know if I persevere, I will achieve my goals. I remember my “why.” I am happy to report that as of this writing, I am down 19.3 pounds!
Spiritually, my health journey has taken me down another road with some obstacles that I have also had to overcome. Like my physical health journey, I have had to be more self-disciplined. I have needed to establish a routine in my day that helps me remember to read my Bible and have a quiet time of conversation with God that includes a time of me simply listening to Him. (I find sometimes I like to do all the talking!) The “light afflictions” I encounter spiritually are most often related to my selfish desires, which I am learning more often to recognize beforehand rather than afterward. Sometimes, I have to make sacrifices, and that is not always my desired choice, but it is necessary if I want to achieve my spiritual goals. Again, I have to remember my “why.” What is the reason that I began this effort to improve my spiritual health? It is because I want a closer relationship with my Saviour. I want to really know Jesus, and I want to be able to present my body “…a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1).
When I remember the reasons I began my spiritual journey, and the goals to which I aspire, it helps me stay on track. Each forward step brings me closer to the prize, and on that I must keep focused. In 1 Corinthians 9:24, Paul wrote, “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.” One day, my physical being will cease to exist, but my spiritual life will continue. That moment when I see my Saviour, I will look into His loving eyes, and I hope to hear Him say, “Well done, Jayne, thou good and faithful servant.” That is my “why.”
Lord, we ask for courage to face our struggles each day,
Fears of the past shall not last if we faithfully stay.
Let Your passion consume us as to the truth we hold.
With our calling so sure, victory secure, steadfast we press to the goal.
Keep the race before us; keep our hearts turned toward the prize
With patience and endurance, the cross standing firm in our eyes.
Keep the race before us, and reward us Lord, by Your grace
With crowns of righteousness form the righteous Judge,
When we finish the race.
(from “Keep the Race Before Us” by Ron and Shelley Hamilton)
“Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” – Romans 8:37
**********
What’s your “why”?