Last week I was doing plank exercises as part of my workout routine. Ever done planks? They suck.
Note:
Anyways, the girl on the video was effortlessly holding her 2-minute plank with control and ease while “assuring” me they would become easy for me in no time. Yet there I was, dripping like a sweaty mess, praying it would soon be over, trembling terribly from the tension and barely able to hold my position for 45 seconds without feeling like I was close to death – perhaps a slight exaggeration, but not by much.
That’s when she said something that hit me like a ton of bricks.
“You don’t get to two minutes without first reaching one. Start slow, start strong, and keep going second-by-second.”
It dawned on me. Is a plank position not the perfect visual for Philippians 2:12?
“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed – not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence – continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling…”
Fear.
Trembling.
Tension.
Exhaustion.
Blood.
Sweat.
Tears.
Questions.
Unanswered prayers.
Trials.
Commitment.
Dedication.
Testing.
Endurance.
Is this not what it means to “workout” our faith and hold our positions?
- It takes every ounce of control and every other fruit of the spirit to keep steady with proper posture and composure.
- It takes time and dedication to build up the supportive faith muscles needed in order to hold alignment for the big faith muscles.
- The tension is hard, yes, but that tension is what slowly creates growth while deepening the core of our strength.
- What’s most required in holding our position is a deep concentration of the mind to trust Him minute-by-minute and second-by-second.
But here’s the ultimate tension…
Why do it?
Why bother?
Why commit?
Why wrestle?
Why forge on?
Because the beauty that comes from all that sweaty mess-ness is so God can use your strength of posture and position to will and act in order to fulfill his good purpose for you, in you and through you.
Now ain’t that worth the struggle?
So be encouraged today.
Start slow.
Start strong.
But keep going second-by-second.
The Lord is good to those who hope in Him… to those who seek him… to those who hold their plank position.
“You don’t get to two minutes without first reaching one.”
