Training for the Climb

Sunday Rewind is a 5-day Devotional based on the weekly sermon at Resonate Community Church

March 22nd Sermon, Day 2

Athletes don't just show up to competition hoping for the best - they train with intentionality and discipline. Paul understood this principle when he wrote about running the race and disciplining his body. Spiritual maturity works the same way. We can't just have head knowledge; we also need to be in spiritual shape.

Building spiritual discipline might feel overwhelming at first, but it starts with simple, consistent practices. Maybe it's committing to read Scripture daily, even when you fall behind your reading plan. Maybe it's setting aside time for prayer or finding ways to serve others. These aren't just religious activities - they're training exercises that prepare us for the challenges ahead. The beauty of spiritual training is that it's not about perfection; it's about persistence. Even when we stumble or fall behind, we keep pressing forward.

Every day we choose to engage with God through His Word, prayer, or community, we're building spiritual muscle. We're preparing ourselves not just for the easy days, but for the moments when life gets difficult and we need to draw on our training to keep moving forward. Remember, there's no shortcut to spiritual maturity. It requires focused, purposeful practices that draw us closer to Jesus.

Bible Verse

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." - 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Reflection Question

What specific spiritual discipline could you commit to this week to strengthen your spiritual fitness?

Quote

There is no couch to summit. This is something that is intentionally focused on the goal, focused on the prize.

Prayer

Lord, help me approach spiritual growth with the same intentionality as an athlete in training. Give me the discipline to stay consistent even when it's difficult.