I’ve come to the dispiriting revelation that I just can’t do all the things I used to do. And some of the things I can do are now very difficult, while they used to be easy.

For example, I used to do a “boot camp” type work out twice a week. I was pretty fit. My friend’s son even used the word “ripped” when describing me. That was an exaggeration, but it made me smile.

Then I moved, losing access to that class. In addition, the Covid-19 pandemic arrived stagnating my exercise routine.

Now, I am trying to regain some of the muscle I have lost, but my older body is resistant. I tried to do a workout yesterday consisting of many lunges, which are excellent for increasing overall leg strength. However, my knee joints decided this was not going to happen. I tried to do some pushups. I used to be able to do 30 or more from my toes. I was perplexed to discover I couldn’t even do one really good pushup. I settled for some partial pushups from my knees.

So disappointing.

Even though it will be very hard, I know that consistent and dedicated effort will eventually provide some gains to my physical strength and fitness.

My spiritual fitness is similar in a few ways. If I don’t use it, I will lose it. That is, if I don’t make time to talk with God and read His word, my ability to fight off attacks from the devil will be diminished. Unhealthy or unwise cravings and urges will be harder to deny.

Fortunately, there are also a few ways my spiritual fitness differs from my physical fitness. My spiritual health is not affected by my age or aging body. I can even be stronger as I age because I have more experience with God.

Also, God has promised to provide what I need when my own strength fails.

“I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭13,‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

This promise actually covers spiritual and physical needs. If God asks me to do something, He will provide all the strength I need to obey. No matter what it is. Part of that provision may include my own efforts toward spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional health. But anything beyond my current capabilities will come directly from His infinite supply.

Dear God, thank you for the promise to provide exactly what I need to do everything you ask of me. Teach me to trust you and not become overwhelmed when contemplating the tasks you assign to me. Show me how to be ready and willing while you provide the able. I know you can do great things through me as long as I do my part, then get out of your way.