I used to be strong. I used to participate in a weights-based workout twice a week that built my muscles and played plenty of tennis for cardiovascular health. I felt fit and capable.

Then I moved. I lost my routine. Then Covid hit. I lost my motivation. Then menopause arrived. I lost a lot of the physical capacity to build muscle even if I had a routine and motivation.

Despite my physical flabbiness, I can still have inner strength. I can be very strong indeed. This pale weak creature that I am on the outside can be like The World’s Strongest Man champion on the inside, tan and glistening with bulging muscles.

How do I achieve this spiritual physique? Only by letting God fill me with His infinitely mighty Spirit.

“I pray that he may grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with power in your inner being through his Spirit,” (Ephesians‬ ‭3‬:‭16,‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

God’s power is available to inflate my spiritual muscles like helium in a balloon. His power is available instantly and is limitless. If I seek His will, and ask Him for the strength to succeed in obeying, He will happily grant me the strength required, drawing from His inexhaustible resources.

Or I can try to putter along in my own strength. But as with my limited physical strength, I am sure to tire and fail.

Dear God,

Thank you for providing the strength I need to accomplish your will for me. It’s ridiculous for me to try to live righteously using only my own strength. Even on my best day, I don’t have what it takes. Remind me to always turn to you for spiritual bulking up.