The Jesus Gym

​So I just finished my third book of the year (really, it’s been more than that as I read a bunch on the plane to and from Okinawa, but they were zombie books, so I’m not counting those, LOL).
 
Anyhow. My beautiful friend, Gina, shared this book with me in January. It ended up being my March book, but it was one I was able to read through pretty quickly. However, it isn’t one I will soon forget.
 
It’s called “The Believer’s Guide to the Jesus Gym.”
 
As you can see, it’s very fitting for my lifestyle. And it definitely made perfect sense.
 
The main premise of the book is that, like muscles in your body can be built by going to the gym, so can your Jesus muscles be built by spending time with Him.
 
I wish I would have read this book years ago. Because I stayed away from God and church for far too long…for reasons that you may understand. I’ve touched on this in previous blog posts, but it’s really spoken to me recently as I’ve started reading my bible daily and finished this book.
 
You see, I never thought I was good enough to go to church. I was a sinner. I was judgmental. And I experienced feelings of jealousy and anxiety and anger. How could I possibly be accepted at church? How could I be a good representation of a Christian for other people when I didn’t even know what a good Christian was supposed to look like?
 
And truthfully, I still feel like this…often. I’m impatient. I have road rage (not the “I’m going to follow you and cut you off (or worse)” kind, but the frustrated/irritated kind). I still get pangs of jealousy every now and again. And yep. I worry. A lot.
 
But the difference now is that I turn towards God in prayer much sooner than I ever did before. I recognize the feelings I’m having, the actions I’m taking, and I take a step back and put it in God’s hands.

I’ve also realized one very important component of all this.
 
I. Am. Human.
 
What?! Say it ain’t so!!
 
I know, I know. It seems so simple to say, but all those feelings I described are human emotions. And while I try to be more God-like, I know that I will always fall short…yep, because I’m human.
 
All I know is that I try my very best every day. And I spend time with God daily. I haven’t been the greatest at going back to church this year. I definitely need to make some changes with that.
 
But this book? Well, this book helped me realize it is a daily journey. And that the only person responsible for building my spiritual muscles is ME!  
 
I hope you all have a beautiful week. Enjoy what God has given you in this amazing life. And be grateful daily.
 
With love and wellness,
Whitney