Our Mind & Emotions Can STOP US

Going outside and working out is a fav for me and some of my friends, but it's not for everyone.  Sometimes there is more going on, on the inside of someone, that is holding them back from enjoying all God called them to be and do.

Sometimes we can feel inadequate in certain situations.
For example: Let's say you want to join a gym because you are needing to lose 20 pounds.  You walk in the door and the only thing your eyes can see are fit skinny people walking around. You instantly think you are being judged and want to run the other way.

Next example: Let's say you are walking outside, trying to muster enough strength to jog a few moments in hopes to get your heart rate a few notches higher. All of the sudden a skinny fast runner blows past you.

In either of these situations your mind can do a number on your motivation.  You can allow your mind to tell your physical body to turn around and leave the gym without signing up, or walk in defeat back to your house.  Your mind can win - but you don't have to let it!

Emotions can make our minds think something isn't true, especially when we compare ourselves to others. If we allow our emotions to deflate our will power like a balloon every time, someone whom our mind thinks is better than us comes along, we will remain in a deflated state. Our emotions can win - but they don't have to!

*If you know of someone who needs encouragement, can you take a moment out of your day and give it to them?*

If you feel like you can't move past the front doors of your house to go outside and take advantage of God's creation with exercise, then let's talk about a few quick options.
1.  Call a friend for support.
2.  If you have no one to go with you at the time you are needing to exercise, stop right where you are and ask God to be your strength in time of need. Ask God to control your  mind and not the enemy.  Ask God to clear your mind of others, jealousy and competition. Ask God for motivation.
3.  Listen to encouraging music. Christian music doesn't have to be slow.  Some I enjoy running with make me run faster: Toby Mac, Skillet, and Newsboys are some examples.  Some, not all, secular music isn't building us up at all. Choose your music wisely.  You will be surprised what you are really listening to if you take a moment and think about the words you have already memorized to certain songs.
4. Choose a verse you can take with you on your journey.  One I like that is memorized by many people: "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" Phil. 3:14.

It's one thing to just say a verse we know, it's another to claim it over our lives and believe it.
Do you really believe this verse?
If not, why?

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