SESSION NOTES:

We had a great workout today, weather was nice. We are using more equipment lately, as I purchase what we need for the group so we are slowly accumulating some nice gear that is helping us be more effective in the work we’re putting in. We had our yoga blocks for core work and a truck tire out today and I feel like we got in some solid work. I also have a new, lighter battle rope and am constructing 5-15lb sandbags for the group.

WOD:

Spiritual Survival

Sometimes when everything around you is spinning and you feel lost not knowing which way to turn, the best thing you can do is just STOP.

“Be STILL and know that I am GOD.” (Psalm 46:10)

Folks, whatever it is that you’re going through – God’s got this. Let him take the reigns. He will handle it, I promise!

You may wonder if you’re even making the right decisions, maybe you feel like you made a wrong choice recently and you’re suffering the consequences now.

Just know that every decision you make doesn’t hang in the balance. God knows every step of your life already, but He gives us the FREEDOM to make our own choices. If you’re obsessing over the choices you make in life – STOP. Just know that whatever choice is kind, just, and compassionate is the right one.

It will feel right – its as simple as that.

Maybe your going through trials right now or through something very painful. God is there. He is with you through the storm you are going through in life. It is all part of a PROCESS that he has outlined for your life, and know that the PROCESS is not working against you it’s working FOR YOU.. to prepare you for God’s gifts.. Don’t get discouraged.

I know in my own life that whatever God has planned for me in my future is better than my past – better than my former life, better than my last relationship, etc. and that says a LOT. God never gives you anything that was less than what he took away from you in life.. EVER. Remember that!

I’ll say that again –

God never gives you anything that was less than what he took away from you in life EVER.

The biggest challenge you will face in surviving the PROCESS will be not giving up.

One thing you should be very aware of during this is that there are powers and principalities set against you. We don’t often think about that.

I don’t think we give the devil credit enough for how powerful he is on this earth.

The devil is not Al Pacino in a fancy suit, in fact the idea of that was most certainly planted the father of lies himself. It gives us the impression he is a likeable guy.

“Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walketh about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)

I think that is a more accurate description of him. Who do you trust? Hollywood or the bible?

The reason I bring him up is he is going to come after you during this PROCESS. His ultimate goal is to see you fail and not receive those gifts. They are the ultimate prize to steal from you. Know too that the enemy is going to come at you the hardest right before your success…I’ve seen it firsthand in my own life.

The devil will come to you as a thief to steal what is most valuable:

YOUR FAITH IN GOD

We can all learn to recognize when he attacks because his weapons are common, and they are weapons of this world. Its important too to recognize that the battleground is your mind and that his influence over your thoughts and emotions are how he attacks.

“Verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.” (John 10:1)

When you are struggling to believe and to have faith, if you are feeling any of these thoughts or emotions and its causing you to falter then know that these are not from God. They are an attack on your faith.

Despair – This will never end…

Fear – What happens if I fail?

Anxiety – I don’t know what the outcome will be..

Impatience – Why am I still in this situation?

Guilt – I should give up, I’ve never been worthy…

Self-doubt – I should give up, I can’t do this…

Confusion – I can’t make sense of any of this…

Self-Pity – Look at me how miserable I am…

Anger – Why did you do this to me, God?

Unfairness – What did I do to deserve this, God?

Jealousy – Look at how happy they are…

Hopelessness – There’s no point…

Be strong and fight these feelings when they come up – pray to God for strength! He will always provide you with what you need, but you’ve got to turn to Him, you’ve got to pray for that strength.

Seasons do not last a lifetime, storms will pass. I’ve said this before that God does his best through our worst, and I believe that 100%.

Hang in there, you’ve got this!