My PT Prayers

I really hate physical training. I've never been good at it, and for the last 10 years, I've avoided it at all costs. I feel weak, helpless, and ashamed when I try to push myself physically and cannot do what I'd like to do. Unfortunately, I don't get a chance to pick and choose what I do at boot camp. We have physical training every day.

On Wednesday and Thursday, my frustration increased to a greater and greater extent until Thursday, I collapsed into a heap of shameful tears (so embarrassing!) on the PT field. I knew that there must be issues going on that God wanted to deal with, so we had some long hard discussions. I couldn't think of anything else all day Thursday. It consumed me. I prayed and prayed. I read countless scripture verses that spoke a great deal of truth to me, but I didn't feel like I could own that truth, I couldn't make it mine. There was no difference in my heart. And I knew that I was going to have to face PT again on Friday morning. I was filled with dread.

Friday morning, I got up very early to journal and pray. At the end of this time, I closed my eyes and asked God to speak to me. I saw a very clear picture in my mind of a person trying to do a push-up. He was struggling greatly with this, to the extent that his body was trembling and shaking. Next to him, I saw Jesus. I tried to mentally place Jesus closer to the man so He could do the push-up for him or pick him up and carry him away. But Jesus didn't do either. I was confused. Then, God spoke and clearly said (not audibly), "I am not going to deliver you from this. But I will be with you every step of the way." In that moment, my anxiety disappeared. I realized that God wanted me to experience the pain and the struggle that went along with PT, but He would protect me and give me strength along the way.

This doesn't just apply to PT, friends. We can apply this to so many things in our lives. So often, when difficult circumstances come our way, we pray that God will deliver us. We want Him to take away the pain and carry us through the trouble (like the footprints in the sand...). But often, God is more concerned with our character than our comfort. Difficulties often bring out ungodliness in our lives that we need to address and deal with. While a miraculous deliverance out of our circumstances may greatly testify to the glory of the Lord, a faithful servant with strong character who serves Him through thick and thin (Our God can save us from the fire. But we're His even if He doesn't...) can be an even stronger testament to His amazing faithfulness.

I know that lots of us have heard this truth, that God is with us every step of the way, and this may be nothing new for you, but it was an incredible truth that I learned, and I really wanted to share it with you. I hope it blesses you or you can use it to bless others.