This past weekend I participated in a triathlon with a friend as a team. I am by no means an incredibly fit person or someone that could be considered an athlete. I have been pushing myself little by little to become physically stronger.
As I got on the bike to compete I was excited! I asked God for strength and endurance and prayed to Him as I pedaled. The first 10 minutes in I was going at a good pace of about 90 RPMs and then increased from there. Toward the end I was pushing 120 RPMs, I felt like I was going really fast! In the end I biked 15.6 miles in 30 minutes! I had gone 31.2 mph on average....HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE? A girl who hasn't trained much at all for this race is able to go as fast as a car in a school zone....for 30 min. straight? Jesus was clearly present I tell you!
As I got off the bike my lower half felt pretty rock solid, almost numb. I felt really great that my brain did not interfere and tell me that I could not finish (like it has several other times).
As I waited for the results I felt surprisingly strong. Strong in mind, body and soul. The results came in and my friend and I won 2nd place. I could not believe it! In the past I'd read the verse from Philippians, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, as a means of affirming His presence. After this experience I feel amazed when I read the verse! I no longer feel doubts in the Lord!
As the day continued, I was able to attend an intense Zumba class as well as play floor hockey with friends after mass. I felt like a crazy person, pushing myself physically like never before. Although I am extremely sore while writing this, I am extremely happy!
Today while having lunch with a friend, he brought up the concept of dating Jesus. At first it sounded so odd and almost wrong! But as I listened to him elaborate it seemed so incredibly beautiful. Giving your heart completely to Him and having the Lord as center, the most important relationship one could have, what could be more beautiful?
I, like many other women, have fallen into the trap of feeding off of acceptance from people as a means of evaluating one's self. I've used failed friendships and relationships as a means of reflecting my value. God is who we should look to for acceptance!
1 Samuel 16:7
But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
This past month I have read Theology of Her Body and Theology of His Body by Jason Evert. It has changed me. I now know what true love is! This past month I have been giving my heart to the Lord, rather than to men. It has been hard to accept being single. I have recently found the beauty in my singleness and want to "date" Jesus. I want to have an intimate and true love with the creator- I know that He will not leave me or let me down!
I have put my trust in the Lord and he has not disappointed! Nothing is impossible without Jesus and there is no greater love than the Lord. Give your whole heart to the Lord and you will not be disappointed. You will be fulfilled!
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