Some people are built for exercise. Others not. I’m fully in the second category. I don’t know why, but exercise is not easy for me.

Even so, I realised that if I wanted to eat what I eat and I didn’t exercise, I would grow like a potato. And that’s why I force myself onto the exercise bike. And when I’m on it, strangely enough, I can keep going for quite a while.

When I get off, the bike is surrounded by a dam filled with sweat. But although I struggle to breathe and my heart rate goes into the red, I feel good and know it’s good for me and my body. For the rest of the day, I can enjoy my food.

One thing I learnt in the spinning classes (which we do using an app nowadays), is that your body can exercise more than it thinks. It’s a struggle between your head and your body. Early on, your body starts scamming your mind and says enough is enough. It can’t go on.

At times like these, my head needs to be strong and turn a deaf ear to the body’s complaining. The head knows the body can go much further. He knows there is more in the body, but for one reason or another, the body always wants to take things easy and do as little as possible. It has no taste for exercising and struggling.

And it’s the same in life. When the first obstacle hits us, we start throwing our toys out of the cot. This is the worst things that has ever happened to us and we can’t go on.

We complain and moan. We tell everybody we’re going under and that they can start choosing the hymns for our burial service. This is the last straw breaking the camel’s back.

But is it the worst?

⁴In this all-out match against sin, others have suffered far worse than you, to say nothing of what Jesus went through—all that bloodshed!

Many people suffer worse than us. When I compare myself to other people who had to choose between their faith and death, my suffering is nothing to write home about.

Maybe we should get rid of our wet pants. Maybe I should put my struggles into perspective. Maybe it’s just the body complaining so much. Maybe our heads should tell our bodies to calm and consider how to get around this obstacle.

When you see your problem in perspective and know that you don’t have to solve it on your own, but that God and His Spirit is there to help us, we have new courage to take the bull by the horns.

It might not be that easy to do, but go and leave your burden of hardship at God’s door. He will help you!

Scripture
Hebrews 12:4-6

Reflection
How strong is your mind?
How big is your challenge?
How great is your God?

Prayer
Lord, I hear You, but it’s hard. Even though I’m not being persecuted for my faith, it feels as if this challenge I’m facing is going to kill me. Please help me. Amen.