The Shred.....


This past Monday, I began the "shred". Jillian Michaels' (from the Biggest Loser) 30 Day Shred to be exact! I bought the DVD on sale after I heard that my best friend was planning on starting it this week as well!! We both agreed that the accountability would help us stick with it!
After Day 1, I wondered what I had gotten myself into! My thighs were literally shaking for 10-15 minutes after the workout, and the rest of the day, my limbs felt like jelly. I worried that I wouldn't be able to climb out of bed the next morning! All of this was clear proof that I need to get in shape!
Throughout the 20 minute workout (yes, I am complaining about a 20 minute workout!), Jillian constantly gives encouragement to keep going and to push through the pain and burning muscles! She insists that getting our bodies to that point is what will produce the desired results (hopefully)! We shouldn't be afraid of the pain, but rather persevere through it! All of this should lead to a stronger, healthier body!
I see a very clear parallel to our spiritual lives. We will all suffer pain and disappointment in our lives. Simply being a child of God doesn't exclude us from trials. We can, however, make it through those hard circumstances by relying on the power of our Almighty God. He sees the end result of a stronger, healthier walk with Him. Don't be afraid of the trials in your life. Instead, depend on the Lord to use them for your good.

James 1:2-4 says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."