Each Memorial Day a majority of the CrossFit community and fitness enthusiasts participate in The Murph Challenge. This is a workout that honors a fallen Navy Seal, Lt Michael Murphy.
What I enjoy the most about this challenge is the addition of a weight vest (I know some wear more gear). It is only twenty pounds, but a great reminder of how life is. Life is always bearing on us. No matter what we do it seems to be right there. Here is the secret about life:
Life is not about being completely stress free. Life is all about how you handle pressure.
TIME UNDER TENSION
Pressure can result in two ways. One, the weight of pressure can get to us and result in us giving into it. Two, we resist the pressure with an opposing force and become stronger in the process. This is a process taught in the strength conditioning community. This principle is called hypertrophy (the enlargement of an organ or tissue from the increase in size of its cells). It is a phase of training to build the size of the muscle to get individuals a bigger frame.
God wants you to shift perspectives and see that pressure is meant to make you into the person you are destined to be.
To build muscle size the fibers and tissues must endure stress for a specific amount of time to adapt. In other words, this is called time under tension. This same principle can be applied to our lives. We are built stronger based on the amount of time we are under tension. Pressure will strengthen you or break you. God wants you to shift perspectives and see that pressure is meant to make you into the person you are destined to be. The main goal of pressure in our lives is to develop our character and see what we are truly made of.
FAITH OPPOSES PRESSURE
The opposing force you need to utilize more to resist pressure is your faith and belief in God’s power. Faith will help you overcome any worldly pressure, but it does take time. We must make sure we are patient and endure what’s coming. The pressure you are under is molding you into someone better. Do not be afraid of what you will become because it is who you are truly meant to be since the very beginning.
The pressure upon you is the very thing that strengthens you.
Fear clouds our minds and holds us back. Face daily fear with faith and a firm belief. You are building physical, mental, and spiritual grit. Allow faith to continually fuel you. In moments of doubt when pressure seems unbearable, see pressure as an opportunity to use faith to drive you further than before. Continue to strive forward regardless of the situation and believe you will come out stronger, because you will. That is the purpose of pressure. The more time we are under pressure and stress the better we will become physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Memorial Day weekend is one of the best times to make sure to honor the fallen and participate in The Murph Challenge if you are physically able. Find a local CrossFit gym or hold this event at your gym. I know I will be participating. Remember, anytime we workout for others the burdens of life feel lifted. Focus on those who sacrificed for our freedom in the military and local law enforcement. Finally, think about the one who took the ultimate sacrifice for our eternal freedom. When we focus on Jesus and what he overcame then we will be able to bear up under the unbearable. The pressure upon you is the very thing that strengthens you. No matter how much pressure you are under. It will never separate you from God’s love.
(photo from boxlifemagainze.com)
• Life is time under tension
• Steady under pressure
• Character Develop
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