“For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.” – Proverbs 24:6
The picture above shows me with a group of my favorite people… my health coach friends! Our responsibilities include teaching and guiding individuals in their personal health journeys, attending workshops and meetings to keep our knowledge current in the fields of health and nutrition, and of course, maintaining optimal health for ourselves. Studies have shown that when it comes to weight loss, being accountable to another person increases the changes of successful and permanent weight loss, and having a health coach is a proven part of our program. Health coaching is a wonderful career, and I love the joy I see in my clients when they reach a particular goal in their health journey!
Many of the skills I have learned in my physical health journey transfer over into my spiritual life. The same strategies I use to keep my weight under control, I use to keep myself fit spiritually. Here are a few of those comparisons.
One of the most important components in my physical health journey is my Habits of Health Lifebook that has invaluable information designed to keep me focused on my goals and provide ways to achieve them. The concepts within the book are to be practiced daily for the best results, but if I don’t ever read it, it is worthless simply sitting on my desk. I must make a diligent effort to read it and put its strategies into practice.
Likewise, I have a lifebook for my spiritual health journey. It is, of course, the Bible, and it is full of the godly guidelines I should follow if I am striving for a healthy spiritual life. There is no situation in life in which I cannot find guidance within the pages of God’s Word, but like my health book, I have to read and study the Bible daily to receive the greatest benefits from it. If I only open my Bible on Sunday mornings when I am at church, I will be lacking greatly in the instruction it has to offer me for living a life pleasing to the Lord. Psalm 119:111 states, “Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart,” and earlier in the same chapter in verse 28, the Bible says, “My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word.” His Word is life to me! It has led me down His paths of righteousness to salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ; it has provided structure and teachings that carry me through this life, and it leads me toward a promised eternity with God forever!
Another important part of my health program are the strategies I learn to help me achieve my goals. One strategy I use is the “stop-challenge-choose” strategy. When facing a situation where I am tempted to go off my nutritional plan, I am to stop and consider the outcome of my choices. I challenge myself by asking what would happen if I do eat something or if I don’t eat it. Based on that, I then choose my course of action. That is exactly what I must do when confronted with sin.
When my spiritual life is threatened, and I am tempted to do something that is contrary to the will of God, I need to stop and consider the outcome of my actions. Is it pleasing to God, or does it go against what the Scriptures teach? God promises in His Word that He will ALWAYS provide a way of escape. 1 Corinthians 10:13 states, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” As in my physical journey, the choices in my spiritual journey are mine to make, and I need to choose wisely. Therefore, I must consider, “What would the Lord have me do in this situation?” It then becomes clearer as to what choice would be the wise one for me to make.
The third aspect of my physical journey is to surround myself with like-minded individuals who will support and encourage me. I have a wonderful group of fellow coaches with whom I can share my struggles, ask questions, and lean on in times of crises. They are such an encouragement to me! The same must be true in my spiritual life. 2 Corinthians 6:14 cautions me, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?” I must carefully choose with whom I will consistently associate myself. When I spend time with my Christian brothers and sisters, I am encouraged, uplifted, and supported in my journey of faith! It is a blessing beyond words.
Lastly, as Proverbs 24:6 states, I should surround myself with wise counsellors in both journeys. Physically, I have my personal health coach, plus a multitude of other coaches who have walked these steps before me and have great wisdom when it comes to losing weight and keeping it off. As I glean from them, then I am able to share this information with the clients and coaches with whom I work, thus paying it forward and blessings all parties.. me included!
Likewise, spiritually, I must also surround myself with those who are mature and wise in the faith. There are so many that lead by example, and to watch and listen to these people is like reaching into a treasure trove full of heavenly riches! I become stronger in my own faith as I see them live their own faith out loud, and it helps me grow in my own Christian walk as I strive to follow in the footsteps of Christ, my Saviour.
These are just a few of the many parallels between my physical health journey and my spiritual health journey. I am excited to be on both! Is it easy? Not always, but in this life I have a “multitude of counsellors” that keep me safely on track. I have the “wise counsel” of the Word of God that equips me for the battles in my life, and I have the greatest heavenly coach ever… the Lord Jesus Christ! When I am fully clad in His armor, I am able to stand in His strength to face my enemies…no matter if they are physical or spiritual! Praise the Lord!
Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah,
Pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but Thou art mighty,
Hold me with Thy pow’rful hand.
Bread of heaven, Bread of heaven,
Feed me till I want no more;
Feed me till I want no more.
(from “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” by William Williams)
“Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.” – Psalm 73:24
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Having Jesus as my coach has eternal benefits and everlasting results!