Honoring God With My Body: Month 3

A few weeks ago, a good friend reached out and shared some advice that really stuck with me. She said, "Don't think of it as something you want to do. Think of it as something you have to do." She encouraged me to make a schedule and decide ahead of time what I would be doing each day, treating these tasks like appointments instead of on-the-spot decisions. When we negotiate with ourselves—Should I work out? Should I take a walk?—we often talk ourselves right out of it. She encouraged me to commit to a routine for 30 days and stick with it.

As I’ve been reflecting on this, I’m leaning into Proverbs 16:3: "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." When I commit these small, daily acts of discipline to Him, it feels less like a battle of willpower and more like an act of worship.

In the middle of all this, my family took our first RV vacation. It ended up teaching me a few things. I was consistent with drinking water and went on multiple hikes, which confirmed what I already knew: I am not in the shape I want to be. I got winded sooner than I would have liked and realized my endurance isn't what it once was. But instead of discouraging me, it motivated me. I remembered how much I enjoy being active. Before we even got home, I started mapping out walking routes to keep that movement going. It reminds me of Isaiah 40:31: "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

I also made another decision. Shortly before our vacation, a routine doctor’s appointment showed my blood pressure was elevated. I’m 99% sure the stress of my job and the overtime have contributed to that. God has been showing me that taking care of my health is about more than just food and exercise; it’s about stress, rest, and creating the margin to live the life He has called me to. Reducing my overtime is a necessary step to support that.

As for the food side, I’m still struggling. This may be the most frustrating part of the journey. Could it be my age? Stress? I know we have an enemy who loves to discourage us when we try to make changes. Whatever the reason, I know quitting isn't the answer. I have to keep moving forward. One choice at a time. One meal at a time. One prayer at a time.

As of this morning, I haven't gained a pound, but I haven't lost one either. I'll admit, seeing the same number can be frustrating. We all like to see evidence that our efforts are paying off. But if I'm going to be honest with you, I don't think God is teaching me patience and perseverance through this journey by accident. The scale may not have moved, but that doesn't mean nothing happened this month. I've learned more about consistency, the impact of stress, and the value of showing up.

Galatians 6:9 continues to be a verse I come back to: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

Sometimes I wish the progress came faster. Sometimes I wish I had more discipline. But God never promised easy; He promised He would be with us. So, I will keep showing up. I will keep trying. I will keep praying. I will keep trusting God with the results.

I know many of you are on your own unique paths to health. One of the greatest blessings of this journey has been realizing that none of us have to walk alone. If you have advice, a story of your own, or just a word of encouragement to share, I would love to hear from you in the comments below. Knowing I’m not the only one navigating these struggles—and being able to pray for you as you navigate yours—means the world to me.