Strength Training

 L-R Our boys, Ben and Dan, and friend, Brian
Summer 2004

"Therefore, keep up your courage...for I believe God that it will turn out exactly as I have been told." (Acts 27:25)



Because Ben was headed to a college football program in east Tennessee and Dan to Parris Island with the US Marines, our boys were all into strength training summer of 2004. 

Much like muscle-strengthening requires muscles working or holding against a resisting force or weight, faith-strengthening requires trusting God against circumstances, emotions, appearances, and often all human reason.

When I was invited to submit Mr. Greenleaf's Unforgettable Summer to LifeWay Christian Stores, my hopes climbed; and Friday's rejection email provided the perfect opportunity to exercise my faith muscles: One trust, two trust, three trust...one hope, two hope, three hope...One persevere, two persevere, three persevere...one believe, two believe, three believe that all God said will come to fruition even when it seems impossibly out of reach.

In Acts chapter 27, a ship tumbled and tossed for days in a terrible gale-force-wind storm that blotted out sun and stars till all hope was gone for everyone except the apostle Paul. An angel of God had appeared to him saying, "Don't be afraid, Paul, for you will surely stand trial before Caesar! What's more, God in His goodness has granted safety to everyone sailing with you." By strong faith, Paul believed God's promises over life's troubles. (By the way, every word of God came to pass - not one failed.) 

Beloved, is life working against God's promises? Exercise those faith muscles, keep up your courage, and trust the One who is able, in Jesus' name!