Give Everything You’ve Got

We recently bought a treadmill so my wife can walk during the cold, snowy months. Just for kicks, I decided to give it a try. I’m not a good walker—not fast, not steady. I’ve got a rambling gait, atrophied hip and glute muscles on the left side, drop foot on the right, and weak hamstrings. But I’ve got a strong will, so I set a goal: walk one mile.

Halfway through that first mile, I had to stop. My heart was pounding and I was sweating like a thief in church. After catching my breath, I finished the mile in 24 minutes—clinging to the wall, the treadmill handles, and anything else within reach. But when I was done, I felt great. After a shower, I felt like a new man.

That was three Mondays ago. I committed to one mile every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

The next attempt felt a bit better. I got used to the machine, the speed, the rhythm. I learned not to start too fast but ease into a zone. I still had to stop halfway, calves burning, sweat pouring, but I shaved my time down to 23 minutes. I was improving.

Then I started adding free weights after my walk—100 curls, 100 weightless squats (25 per set), and 100 overhead extensions. Again, afterward I felt like a new man.
24:00… 23:00… 22:15… 21:33… and last night I finished just over a 21-minute mile. But last night’s finish was tough. My legs felt rubbery, my vision got a little euphoric, and during my squats I was really feeling it. My heart was pounding, sweat was pouring—but afterward, I felt great.

Life is like that workout. It hurts while you’re in it, but afterward you grow stronger. One day all our struggles will be over, and the Lord will review our “faith workouts.”

Christian, give it everything you’ve got. Your form might be shaky and your faith trembling, but keep going. Lean into your calling. Push through the pain. Jesus gave everything He had—and now sits at the right hand of the Father.

Give Him your best today and your judgment day will be better for it.