One morning, as I was reading my Bible, these words really hit me, “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” These words touched me. I realized that yes it's important that as a fitness instructor I help people to get physically fit, but it is even more important, that they become Spiritually fit. I decided I wanted my fitness platform to be about more than just strong biceps and ripped abs (not that these are bad). I wanted to help people understand how loved they were by God. I still wanted to help them with their exercise and eating, but more so, I wanted them to know the One who gave them life.
I did not come to know the love and truth of Jesus until I was 40 years old. I was so changed by God’s great love and plan and I wanted to share it with others. In some quiet time I heard God whisper, “Take me to your fitness platform.” What?? God was that really you? I continued to feel His nudging and I began to share my faith during my exercise classes.
I was working at a traditional gym and I started to play Christian music and talk about the amazing ways God was moving me. I asked questions that I wish I had made time to answer years ago. It was amazing to see how God was working in the lives of those in the room. I had one person say with a smile, "I don't know if I've been to church or a workout!!"
Jewish, Buddhist, Atheists…. people from all walks of life were hearing the truth of the Gospel through the music and messages. As thrilled as I was about how this was effecting those in my classes, I have to say, I was even more excited at what God was doing inside of me. I felt incredible joy as I taught. I felt His presence more in the workout room than anywhere else.
There is no greater feeling than knowing God is allowing you to play a small role in His story!!
The Bible reminds us that, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him". It is life changing when we really understand that everything we have was given to us from God. If you have a fitness platform, know it is a gift from God. You can choose to use your platform for your glory or for His. I’ve done it both ways and I can tell you from my experience doing it all for His glory is so much more satisfying and rewarding.
