by Vicki Heinecke

Once weak, now strong.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.
Hebrews 12:11-13

The day I started working with a personal trainer, he performed an assessment to determine my fitness level. He asked me to do a “plank,” an exercise which consists of keeping my body face down in a straight line, supported by my elbows and toes. He challenged me to hold it for at least 30 seconds.

I struggled to hold myself up, then gave up and plopped down on the mat. He quietly said, “That wasn’t 30 seconds. You’ll have to do another one.”

I managed to barely hold the second plank for the 30 seconds he required, and then he encouraged me to “plank every day” as an essential part of my training. It was uncomfortable when I started, but it has led to holding the pose longer and incorporating variations. My trainer shows me how to exercise properly to avoid injury, and I’m growing stronger.

Likewise, the author of Hebrews reminds the reader that spiritual discipline can be challenging to maintain at first, but the more we practice being in active communion with God, through Word and prayer, the more we “get in shape” as Christians. We are taught proper discipline by God in his Word, because he loves us more than we can possibly fathom, and he wants us to share eternity with him.

May a healthy discipline of your walk with God yield the fruit of righteousness with you.

“Just a closer walk with Thee, grant it, Jesus, is my plea.
Daily walking close to Thee, let it be, dear Lord, let it be.”
(Lyrics from a traditional spiritual)

Thank you, Lord, for teaching us your perfect ways. Amen.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado