Muscle Memory

I've been taking a class at the YMCA for about a year now called Body Combat.  It's a combination of boxing,  karate and tai chi. The class is a series of boxing, kicking, jumping, squatting, lunging, punching and other various unnatural movements set to really loud, really fast music.  When I first started the class I was completely lost and made a fool of myself on a regular basis.  I was weak, out of shape, absolutely intimidated and, honestly, only able to make it through the class if I gave about 50%.  Now, I am able to keep up with anybody in the room, encourage those beside me to push harder and give every ounce of mental and physical energy I have through (almost) each song.  Plus, I actually fill out the butt of my jeans because I have muscles where there were none.  It works, and I'm hooked.

This morning while in the class I found myself thinking about the muscle memory I have gained from being in this class. I find myself following the order of the routine without even looking at the instructor because my body knows what moves to do.  What used to feel awkward and unnatural now feels normal and powerful.  I know what I'm doing, and I'm confident that the moves are building muscle and endurance rather than just building humility.

The parallel to the battle of walking in spiritual strength grabbed me.  Every new challenge I face in my spiritual walk at first feels awkward and uncomfortable.  I feel week and unable.  I feel like quitting, hiding my face, laying down until the urge to fight back passes.  But if I persevere, I develop muscles where before I had spiritual "butt sag".  After a while, I recognize strength in me that I never knew I had, I begin to feel and look like the fighter I am in Christ.  I can keep up and encourage those beside me to push harder, and I can give every ounce of mental and spiritual energy I have through each obstacle.

"When your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.  So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything." James 1:3-4