How Jesus became the best personal trainer I’ve ever Had
“What is healthy? “These verses are life savers! Literally. They are so powerful for our spiritual lives first, then our physical lives. They combat mainly against daily struggles of poor self-esteem, body image and even self-hatred. But they can be used to help build a healthier lifestyle.
Whether we realize it or not, health fitness and wellness can affect our moods, emotions and bodies. But often we do not make time for it in our very busy lives. Questions such as “What can I do to keep my mental, physical and spiritual life in control going forward? “I have to give up what!?” And my favorite “I just don’t have time!” circle a young woman’s mind a little more than necessary.
We end up being exhausted from working out extremely hard one day trying to change our bodies overnight, then we eat a slice of pizza and don’t work out for another 3 weeks. We find it impossible to change these cycles we have been in for years!Here’s a bit of my personal testimony. During my sophomore year in college, August 2015-May 2016, I gained 30 pounds of bad fat due to stress, very poor eating and a lack of sleep. It was the first time I stopped doing Varsity Sports since middle school and I had less time to focus on my relationship with Jesus.
2014: working out, eating well and current in my walk with the Lord.
2015-2016: not working out and not eating right:
But I found it all was all rooted from a deeper place where I needed inner healing. These outward habits were just the symptoms that were manifesting from the inside out. I had a fear of type 1 diabetes and was in a toxic relationship. I was not spending time in the Word but in the world and the farther I got away from Jesus, the unhealthier I became. I used to make my workouts and runs part of my spiritual time with Jesus, but when life became hard I avoided my “Holy runs” and quiet time with Him all together because of shame and pride. On top of all of this, I began dealing with intense depression. Thankfully Jesus stepped in and rescued me from all of it! It was only as I turned to Jesus, that I began walking on the right path again. Here’s how he helped me do it!
STEPS TO A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE:
1. Intense Focus from Unseen to Seen NOT OUTSIDE IN:
The desire to change didn’t come from the outside but from within. When I started my journey the right way I had to ask, “why do I want to change and who do I want to change for?” The Holy Spirit guided me to read 1 Peter 3:4 along with the other verses listed above -“but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.” I also read about Ruth, Deborah and Esther.
I encourage you to read scriptures about what Jesus says about these women and you. Every woman must know how you are to be loved as Jesus loves the church – Ephesians 5:25. You are a Sharon rose and a lily of the valley. – Song of Solomon 2:1. You are wonderfully and fearfully made. – Psalm 139:14. Your body is a holy temple of God – 1 Corinthians 6:19.
When I started reading these scriptures before my workouts, I was not so tempted to break my 2-week cleanses or fast or sin with my body.
These scriptures gave me strength. Jesus was my biggest coach and supporter in the start back to a healthy life. Through reading the scriptures, praying and with tears, He encouraged me to fight when insecurities of the past or not achieving my goal came up. Jesus always calls us higher and healthier but not just for ourselves but to help others overcome as well.
2. Be inspired by others, but don’t compare yourself to them:
When I approached my fitness, diet and exercise changes at first, I did it the absolute wrong way for the wrong reasons.
The first way was the worldly way, I kept striving and fighting out of my own wisdom, through Instagram, and the worlds versions of a “perfect woman” and ended up very insecure and even more broken. Although I had the best body I ever had and lost the weight, I ended up in a pool of confusion and tears where working out and comparison became an Idol, and I was even worse off then where I started.
2016-2017: I forced my body to be shaped through 7 hours of workouts a week. I formed my body how the world wanted it to be. I was the most lost in this time of my life.
3. Trust the process, be content, rest and don’t return to your old ways:
When we do it God’s way which is to come to Him and simply rest at His feet we can do all things. Eating more veggies and fruits and drinking more water may not taste or feel great at first but then you notice your clear skin, higher energy levels and an ability to take that extra class this summer or tumble harder in your cheer camp. You’ll breathe better, and look better, but it will be from the inside-out!
Sleep is so important. But I’m referring to an ability to rest in his love and spend time with Him. This gives you true beauty. Rest and you will be radiant.
Matthew 11:28 says, “Come to me all who are burdened and heavy laden and I will give you rest. Isaiah 40:31 says, “I will mount you on wings like eagles.” And Exodus 15:2 says “The Lord is my strength and my song he has become my salvation He is my God and I will praise Him.”
You can trust that God will be with you on your runs. He will be with you in every rock climb. Every lift, every dance and cardio workout. He will be there with you when you say no to the binge eating and cycles that are bad for you.
When you feel like giving up Jesus is right there and the Holy Spirit within you will give strength to your mortal bodies.
God bless you my sisters! Let’s endure till the very end!
Today I am healthy and in love with Jesus! I am doing health the right way – spiritually first, physically second. I work out 3 days a week and eat right – life is in balance!
LaAsia Jabara Medlock is a South Carolinian but Ohio raised woman looking to finish her degree at OSU with a bachelors in Human Nutrition. She is 22 years old and serves at Hope City House of Prayer on the worship team, on OSU’s T. B. O. C. College ministry team, and active volunteer in Columbus city school Franklin Heights for teen and young women groups that build essential self-esteem and life skills. LaAsia is a singer, musician, songwriter, poet, model, abolitionist, evangelist, wellness geek and lover of Jesus.
Some of LaAsia’s playlist: Catch the Wind, You make me Brave- Bethel music; Can’t live Without, Lovely – Hollyn; Fire- Steven Malcom; Believe- Gemstones
Instagram Pages: laasia_medlock_ , holypescatariandishes
Life verses:
Matthew 4:4, “and Jesus said. Get behind the Satan. Man shall not love live by bread alone. But every Word that proceeds from the mouth of God”
1 Timothy 4:7-8 – “Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”
1Corinthians6:19 -20 “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So, glorify God in your body.”
