by Joanie Butman
After a bout of COVID and a couple of weeks in Florida, I returned to the Peloton this week. It’s amazing how quickly you lose whatever state of fitness you’ve managed to attain. My muscles were mush as I struggled to keep up with the instructor. I’ve never been a ‘leader’ in any cycling class. I used to be happy to finish in the top half – bottom top half. After last year’s surgery, however, I’ve never gotten back whatever oomph I once had. Finishing is my only goal. Doesn’t have to be pretty – and believe me, it’s not. But you know what? I’m in good company at the back of the pack.
Actually, I’ve always been more comfortable in the back. That’s how I earned the moniker Backrow Butman. It affords a certain anonymity – and a quick exit if necessary. I will never forget attending a speaker event at my husband’s men’s club. During the cocktail meet and greet, I was chatting with a woman when we were told to find our seats. I pointed to some empty seats by the door and suggested we sit there in case the speaker wasn’t any good. Much to my dismay, she turned out to be the speaker! She kept her eyes on me until the very end daring me to leave – which I would have.
Spiritually, trying to hide in the back row doesn’t work. There is no anonymity when it comes to Christ. He’s got His eyes on you and will push you to the front when you least expect it. Look at the apostles. They were not the leaders of their community. Nevertheless, Jesus chose these ordinary men to spread His message. He yanked them from their comfort zones and provided the strength and spiritual muscle for them to finish well. He does the same with us. If you look at most of the heroes of the Bible, their most valuable attribute wasn’t their keen intellect or eloquent speech — it was their willingness to follow God’s will wherever it led them.
Muscle memory is a beautiful thing. You may lose tone quickly, but you can also regain it quickly once you start working the muscles again. It’s true for the body, but even more importantly, for the soul. Did you know that during strength training, you actually damage muscle fibers? The body then repairs the muscle fibers making them stronger. Soul training works the same way. Every hardship we encounter can make us spiritually stronger when we learn to rely on Jesus. Adversity is spiritual strength training. It builds spiritual resilience. Perhaps that’s what Nietzsche meant when he said, “Out of life's school of war—what doesn't kill me, makes me stronger.” Or maybe he just attended Catholic school in his youth.
Truth be told, I don’t enjoy cycling. And I'm sorry to admit I don't always feel like worshiping. There are plenty of times I'm tempted to be lazy on both accounts. Even so, I force myself to do them to stay fit. I never know when my next ‘treatment’ will be necessary or what it will entail, but I know I want to be at the top of my game when it arrives. The same can be said about any type of adversity life serves up in abundance. Hardships don’t come with a warning. Best to choose to get spiritually fit before you find yourself in one. Choose wisely.
It is good that you recognize your weakness. That keeps you looking to Me, your Strength. Abundant life is not necessarily health and wealth; it is living in continual dependence on Me. (Jesus Calling, Sarah Young, March 16)