Expectancy in Health

Some of the most popular New Year’s resolutions include losing weight, eating healthier and exercising more. That makes January the busiest time of year for gyms and fitness trainers. Unfortunately, by March the attendance returns to the normal trend.

Intentions start out good. Many start; fewer finish. Having walked both ends of this spectrum, one of my challenges in 2021 is expectancy to see results in improved health.

That expectancy requires work. I can’t hope for improved health by doing what hasn’t worked in the past and expecting different results. The change happens when I apply myself. It requires planning, preparation and follow through to see the desired results.

But what are the desired results? What drives the desire to see improvements in health? If the drive starts from wanting to look a certain way or to gain favor with others, the motivation may decrease rapidly. However, if the Holy Spirit convicts us in certain areas, the desire to please God should create a sustainable motivation to finish what we start as reflected in Philippians 3:13-14. “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

We need to press toward the goal God designed for us. If He calls us to improve in an area of our lives, obedience will require hard work. However, the rewards far outweigh the effort. God reminds us of the role our body plays in I Corinthians 6:19-20. “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.”

Although this may appear to be less spiritual that others areas of improvement, like serving in ministry, remember the passage from Romans 12:1. “I appeal to your therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” If we place our physical bodies as a sacrifice to God, we worship Him! We also ensure that our bodies handle any assignments God call us to do.

Our first step: spend time in prayer, seeking out God’s direction for our health. Is He calling us to change anything in our lifestyle? Do we need to choose more nutritious food? Perhaps He calls us to move more throughout our day or sign up for a gym membership. He may call us to get more rest. Whatever He impresses on us, we should quickly obey.

Following His plan for my health develops a level of expectancy to see how He prepares me for the next step in my spiritual walk. Is He calling you to prepare for that next assignment He has planned?