“…I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” Deuteronomy 30:19
When I was younger my body remained joyfully silent as I swam, played tennis, and jogged.
Now, my body is never silent. It makes constant noises of pain when I attempt movement that involves something besides walking to the frig.
My body is also loudly telling me that if I do not take care of it, it will betray me with sickness and an early death. Last year, it whispered the word, “Diabetes.” Since then, I’ve tried to incorporate walking into my life. Many days I walk the dogs with purpose and joy, knowing that I am answering the call.
But some days are difficult. Extremely. Like the other day when I got up, put on the knee brace and the walking shoes, hooked up the IPOD and drank the coffee, getting all ready to conquer a long walk with Scooby and Thor. Unfortunately, my body started leaking motivation like a balloon losing air.
When John came through the living room on his way to work, there I was, slumping on the couch, staring at the TV which was now turned on, my eyes glazed over.
“John?” I moaned, as if from my death bed. “Will you walk the dogs?”
He tentatively asked, “Do you want me to walk the dogs or tell you to get up off the couch?” (John has learned this behavior after several overreactions on my part. :0) )
“Walk the dogs.” And he kindly leashed them up and left.
I was empty. No motivation. No energy. No resolve whatsoever. I surfed through the channels hoping for an old movie marathon. It was as if someone said, “Stay” as I tell my dogs.
And then I heard my God who loves me whisper, “Choose life. Use My Words.”
I knew what He meant. The Word of God is a weapon. Supernatural and a life-giver.
“Fine.” I said with absolutely no conviction whatsoever.
I began to say verses I’d memorized aloud. I did it rote, with no passion at all. No energy. I did not think about the words. I just said them. The TV was still on.
John came back with the dogs and then left for work. It “occurred” to me to turn off the TV. (The Spirit gave me that notion.) I continued spouting out the Bible as an act of obedience, devoid of any feeling.
And then…
The Spirit of God filled me up. Do you understand this? Supernaturally, my energy changed, my motivation changed, my will changed. Simply because I used the Word of God to bring me life and purpose.
After a little while, I stood up and made my dogs happy. “Let’s go, guys!” We took a long walk.
I chose life and my journey to good health continues.
Join me. Choose life.
