Scripture to Memorize
She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
Proverbs 31:16–17
Passage to Read
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 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. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
1 Corinthians 9:24–27
Guided Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for calling me to run the race of life with you. Forgive me for the times when I’ve sat idly on the sidelines or failed to put forth my best effort. Too often I’ve done the bare minimum and wondered why there was no joy in the journey. I want to run in such a way as to get the prize, and that means going into strict training. Holy Spirit, I need you to be my personal trainer. I don’t want to run like a man running aimlessly or fight like a man beating the air. I want to run like a woman who knows there’s a crown in store. Thank you for promising me a crown that will last forever.
Everything around me beckons me to seek comfort and convenience. So few people are running. So many are taking the path of least resistance. That’s not what you have in mind for me. It’s not what I want either. Empower me to beat my body and make it my slave. Teach me the secret of self-control so that after I’ve preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
Lord, I want to run a race that honors you. I need your help to run with perseverance the race marked out for me. Thank you for promising to get me across that finish line. I’m fixing my eyes on you. Amen.
Personal
The Proverbs 31 woman set about her work vigorously, and her arms were strong for her tasks. To be vigorous means energetic and full of life; it’s the opposite of sluggishly dragging yourself through the day, downing cups of coffee to keep yourself moving. Instead of relying on caffeine to get you going in the morning, why not rely on a morning walk instead? It’s the fastest, safest, and easiest way to stay vigorous and strong.
Walking burns about the same number of calories per mile as running but is easier on the joints and has a much lower risk of injury. Studies have shown that brisk walking is associated with substantial declines in the incidence of coronary problems in women,1 can reduce or eliminate high blood pressure,2 strengthens bones,3 and increases levels of HDL (good cholesterol), reducing the risk of coronary artery disease. A Harvard study found that women who take a brisk walk each day can cut their risk of developing type 2 diabetes in half. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, regular physical exercise performed most days of the week will reduce your risk of dying prematurely, reduce high blood pressure, and reduce your risk of developing colon cancer.
But perhaps the greatest benefits of walking are not physical but spiritual and emotional. Walking is a great time for praying and meditating on Scripture. It even boosts endorphins, the neurotransmitters that elevate your mood and overall sense of well-being.
Make the commitment to walk at least three mornings per week, and soon you’ll discover that you really are able to set about your work more vigorously. And if you swing your arms in the air as you walk, you’ll find that they will be strengthened for your tasks. As an extra bonus, you’ll save lots of time getting dressed in the morning, because all your clothes will fit and look great.
You can walk alone, of course, but there are some definite advantages to having a walking partner. And it shouldn’t be hard to find one, because almost every woman wants to:
Walking with a partner will accomplish all these goals and more. Although I try to pursue an active lifestyle, I find it much easier to stay committed when I have a walking partner. Knowing that someone is counting on you is the best motivation to get up and go. Otherwise it’s just too tempting to make up excuses. Believe me, I know. The Bible says no temptation has seized us except what is common to woman. And God is faithful. Whenever we are tempted he will provide a way of escape (see 1 Cor. 10:13). A walking partner is the way of escaping the temptation to hit that snooze button and indulge in extra time under the blankets.
By the way, it’s important to resist the urge to gossip or complain while you walk. Your walking partner can also be your prayer partner. Each morning, you can quickly exchange an update on what’s new, then pray for the remainder of your walk.
Pick up the phone today and offer someone the exciting opportunity to partner with you. Both of you will be glad you did. If you absolutely, positively can’t find a partner, ask the Holy Spirit to stand in the gap with you until you find someone. Either way, get out there prayer walking. You’ll be amazed how much more energy you have, enabling you to set about your work vigorously and keeping your arms strong for your tasks.
Affirmation: I walk because I’m in strict training.
Find a walking partner.
Buy good quality shoes designed specifically for walking. Do not buy a cheap pair. You must have good quality walking shoes, especially if you are over age thirty-five. Otherwise, you can do more harm than good by wearing shoes that do not provide enough support, which can lead to injuries.
If you are out of shape, begin walking just fifteen minutes a day. Ultimately your goal should be sixty minutes a day. It may take you a month or a year to build up to that level. Just go at your own pace and listen to your body.
Notebook: Add PRAYER WALK to your MORNING ROUTINE page in the PERSONAL section of your notebook.
Remember: Today is day seven of vegetables and water.