Part 3, Time to get violent!

I have had several aquaintesses that were also personal trainers through the years.  All of their programs, education and theories were slightly different.  It seemed they only agreed on one thing, to get results, you have to shake up your workout routine from time to time.  I am currently half way to my  physical fitness goals and I have hit a major wall…

I have been doing the same program for months, and although I am sore and tired when I am done working out, I am not seeing the results I would like to.  There is a trainer at our little gym here in Swazi, whose name is Jack.  The boys and I have all named him “The Nazi”.  We avoid him at all cost, because simply put, the guy could make a Navy Seal cry like a little girl.  One Monday morning, I was finally sick and tired enough of my present state to do the unthinkable…that’s right, I walked right up to “the Nazi” and said, “Jack, it is time for me to take my workout to the next level” kicking myself as the words left my lips.  Jack smiled, a very evil smile, “okay Mrs. Black, It’s about to get violent“….

I wonder why we think that major change is going to happen in our lives, when we are not even willing to admit change needs to happen, let alone take the steps to make it happen.  What is it that tells us the same thought patterns will suddenly, spontaneously have different results tomorrow?  The first step we have to take with resentment, bitterness and un-forgiveness…is call it what it is, that will tear down some pride. Then we have to prepare ourselves for a bit of a battle in the spirit.

 
During our first workout together, at the NEXT level, I thought I was going to die.  My muscles were contracting completely separate from what I was telling them to do, my hair was stuck to my face and my neck, and sweat was pouring off me, and I am pretty sure I was crying, or at least letting out the occasional whimper.  It was somewhere on set 1 million and two when “The Nazi” said to me, “last set, today, I have mercy for you…”  Mercy, are you kidding me? My buddy Jack is no philosopher, but turns out he is rather brilliant.  Judgment IS Gods mercy on us, when the light shines on our darkness and exposes the condition of our heart, it hurts, it is humiliating, and it is the ultimate “mercy”.  If it is exposed, it can be healed.  There is hope, much hope.  Ask yourself these questions:

1.  “Is un-forgiveness, bitterness, or resentment ruling my thoughts, mind and emotions?”

2.  “How is that affecting the people closest to me?”‘

3,  “Is something blocking my prayer life, my health, or my relationships”

4.   “Has un-forgiveness, bitterness or resentment turned to hate in my heart”

5.    Finally, if you are struggling with un- forgiveness, towards anyone past or present and you can see how it is NOT benefiting you to stay in this state…ARE YOU READY TO DO WHAT IT TAKES, ARE YOU READY TO GET VIOLENT?”

How to get healed, tomorrow…