INTENTIONAL GROWTH IN 2021

Image source: ResonateCommunityChurch

I was not the athletic type of kid growing up, books were the source of my greatest pleasure. However, somewhere between 14 to 16 years of age, I decided to be more athletic, so during the holiday I began weight training and other exercises to achieve this target.

My normal growth process left me overweight, but I took matters into my own hands, and got on an intentional growth path to be more athletic. I did not become a champion athlete, but my participation in sporting activities did improve considerably, and I was happy.

We were bruised in many ways in 2020, and it seems this has continued into 2021. It is tempting to say ‘we prayed, nothing changed, so I give up on God’. When my heart thinks this way, I remember Proverbs 24:10 (KJV) – ‘If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.’

Apostle Paul says in 1Timothy 4:8 (New Living Translation): “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” In the present troubling times, we must be intentional in training for godliness.

Paul says training for godliness has benefits now and in the life to come. So, in spite of COVID-19, in spite of rioters attacking the US Congress, in spite of daily negative news – be intentional in praying often everyday, in Bible study, in making time for fasting and spiritual retreat when you can.

God bless you as you train for godliness in 2021, Amen!