3 Biblical Health & Fitness Lessons

The Bible is an amazing book filled with ordinary individuals who become extraordinary or normal people who have had extraordinary things happen to them. Yet we seem to overlook still the reality of these individuals to exist as normal human beings whom God uses supernaturally.

Strengthen the Shoulder Muscles for Combat

Moses was a man mightily used by God. Though he performed supernatural acts for God, he exhibited still human weaknesses within his body. Quite notably was his first confrontation with the Amalekites after leaving Egypt. In order to claim the Promised Land, the children of Israel had to rid the land of the Amalekites. The Israelites would win this war, but God required of them not just faith but faith acted upon. Moses was required to keep his arms raised during the entire battle which lasted from sunrise to sundown. This movement required great use of the delt muscles.

Why would God require such use of the body? I am not sure of the answer, but it is important to note that physical endurance in our daily walk of faith is at times just as important as our spiritual stance. When Moses’ hands drop, the Israelites begin to lose the battle. Moses is unable to endure for long without his arms growing tired and heavy. Aaron and Hur, Moses’ assistants ‘spot’ or support him when he cannot persevere any longer alone.

Strengthen your delts or shoulder muscles. They are important in the act of worship. Out stretched arms not only glorify God but also signify our position of victory.

Age Gracefully

David is one of my favorite characters in the Bible. From a young robust warrior to an aged king who almost loses his life in battle is an epic of one of the greatest leaders in biblical history. David ages like any human being; however, he does not make adjustments until he is almost killed. Abishai, one of David’s soldiers, saves his life (2 Samuel 21:17). David never returns to the battlefield after this attack. As we age, it is wise to make behavioral modifications. Certain foods may not be so forgiving any longer. That krispy cream donut clings to the waistline now. Energy fluctuations become more frequent. Joints stiffen. The body is more vulnerable to sicknesses.

By eating nutritionally, exercising regularly, meditating frequently, the aging process can be a graceful one. It is never too late to begin implementing changes.

Rest

If only our spirit did not need the body. Would sleep be important? The body clearly needs to sleep in order to recover, repair and to be rejuvenated. Eutychus, a young man, in the book of Acts chapter 20, dies and is brought back to life. Eutychus, sitting in a window listening to one of Paul’s long sermons that lasted to at least midnight, goes to sleep and falls from the third floor and dies. Paul miraculously heals the young man.

Though God can work supernaturally through us, we must still care for our bodies by getting adequate sleep. If the Creator rested, how much rest do you think we should receive? We cannot ignore the limitations of the body. We become vulnerable when we are sleep deprived. The “thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10). We are ordinary people whom God wants to use extraordinarily. Therefore, the word of God commands us to “be well balanced, be vigilant and cautious at all times, for that enemy of [ours], the devil, roars around like a lion roaring, seeking someone to seize upon and devour” (1 Peter 5:8 Amplified Version ).

Rest the body, for there might not be a Paul around. Live a balanced life: feed your spirit with the word of God and prayer, and your body with proper rest and nutrition. Then allow God to use you, an ordinary human being, to become extraordinary for His glory.