Lifting weights, arduously studying, practiced discipline, abstinence and regular prayer.  Nothing is completed without some work.  No crops planted, no money earned or saved, no muscles strengthened or thinking increased and no dependence upon God developed.  That it why it is called the Christian “walk” of faith, because there is a physical action or life direction involved.  Among the largest enemies to the Christian faith, sedentary life is most pervasive, silent and dangerous.  Struggling in life produces trust in God’s Word and builds hope upon His promises.  He promised us difficulty.  The only place that we can find security and rest is in God through Christ.

We have been fooled.  The bill of goods states clearly that we will find a peaceful existence on this planet where there will be limited struggle, overflowing coffers and easy relationships.  Isn’t this in fact a lie?  Despite what satan tries to sell us we all know the truth, yet we continue to buy into the deception that wealth, health, clean living and great relationships are available with little to no work.  We refuse to do situps or crunches and want great abs.  We want a strong heart yet will not stop drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes and heaven forbid doing “any” regular exercise.  We expect our children to love, honor and obey us when we will not offer the same to God and lead through poor or absent example.  We expect to “know” all of God’s Will for our lives yet we will not read His Word, Seek His guidance in Prayer or learn His lessons of preparation through abstinence and Prayer.  In fact we have become so twisted in our beliefs that we know people cannot earn their way to heaven so we have rationalized that we don’t have to do “any” works at all.

Lord, give me the struggle for it shall sharpen me.  Father, teach me through discipline and hard work so that rest when it comes will be fully enjoyed.  Lord, lead me and strengthen my resolve and wisdom through prayer and leading by the Holy Spirit in prayer, mediation and a walk led by faith not sight.  Father reward my planting with growth, my weeding with unencumbered living, my tending with good relations and may Your Storehouse be filled with the offering of that harvest.  All the glory to You for my life’s produce.  In Jesus Name I live.  Amen