Exercising feels horrible when you're out of shape.

I know this from personal experience as an on-and-off runner. Running consistently makes it a lot more enjoyable.

My dad runs a lot, and just went hiking with a group of men the other day. One of the men in the group was very overweight. Dad had a great time hiking, talking with the other guys, and seeing the beauty of nature. Over the course of the hike, the group divided up into smaller groups, each hiking at its own pace.

When they finished the trail, they had to wait nearly an hour for the overweight man and a friend to catch up. The man was soaked with sweat and on the verge of passing out, and when he took off his shoes, his toenails were black from being crushed with each step. He will be feeling that pain for weeks to come. Dad, on the other hand, was dry and happy and felt great.

On reflection, my Dad pointed out that the spiritual life is like this, too. When we are spiritually out of shape, our journey is miserable. Every hill or obstacle is a hard struggle, and our problems keep us from enjoying the blessings along the way.

On the other hand, if we are spiritually in good shape, maintaining our daily walk with God and spiritual growth, doing the exercises of faith each day, we can handle whatever life throws at us and enjoy our journey.

With a fit body, it feels good to exert yourself. With a fit spirit, you can "consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (James 1:2-4)

I hope this story encourages you as it did me. Let's "be prepared in season and out of season" (1 Timothy 4:2), let's "run in such a way as to get the prize" (1 Corinthians 9:24). After all:

"Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever." (1 Corinthians 9:25)

And even more than that, the race itself becomes a joy when we are well-trained and spiritually fit.