Jesus, Don't Let Me Be a Weak Woman with Strong Muscles.

Strength training is pretty great. It's amazing to start lifting heavier weights, and feel yourself getting stronger. What's on my mind tonight isn't about dumbbells or barbells or kettlebells. No, I could increase my physical strength all I want, but if I don't increase my inner strength, what's the use? If I reach or exceed my fitness goals, but I can't control my tongue or my temper, I am not truly a strong woman. If I can lift heavy weights, but treat my family and friends like garbage when I am under pressure, I am nothing but a weak woman with strong muscles.

Lately, my fitness life has been a wreck. In a way it's good because it is forcing me to see things in the light of truth, and my perspective is getting clearer. I am seeing that my fitness "house" has been built on the sand. So, when the storms came, the house went "SPLAT" as the song goes. So, where's the rock I can rebuild on? Where is my sure and solid foundation?

I am a Christian. I choose to put my faith in Jesus Christ. So, I did a quick search for Bible verses about strength. Here are some I found:

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Isaiah 40:29-31

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not be faint.

Psalm 119:28

My soul is weary with sorrow, strengthen me according to your word.

Ephesians 6:10

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

Mark 12:30

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Father, thank you for putting some things in my life lately that have shown great weakness in me. Thank you for revealing those weaknesses so you can make them strengths. You are so good to me. Please use me for good. Please use me to love people with the love of Jesus. Thank you that I can trust that you will increase my strength. Help me to be a strong woman inside and out.