Jab & Hook

Yesterday I did something I have never done before. I “jabbed,” “hooked,” and “undercut” and was dripping sweat an hour later. Maybe you have already guessed I went to a kick boxing class.

I shuffled left and jabbed. I shuffled right, jabbed and kicked. I kicked to the side. I kicked to the front. I watched the clock. And I watched something else.

From my vantage point I could see most of the class reflected in the mirror that lined the front wall. And I noticed something. Some in the group could not keep up without taking short breaks or modifying some of the steps. Some of them were older than I, but some were much younger!

I considered the reason I was able to endure the intensity of the hour’s cardio and strength training. I concluded it was due to the running routine I started last spring. I have trained myself toward endurance and it is paying off!

As our teacher, Victoria, instructed us in the workout for our arms, I mimicked her example and for the first minute it was easy. But after five minutes, my arm felt like it would fall off! And then sweet relief, we switched to the left arm.

As I punched an imaginary speed ball, this scripture in James came to mind,

 “For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow”

(James 1:3). All of those months of running had been a test of sorts. I had begun to run because I needed to strengthen myself emotionally and physically. As I continued, I found my faith being renewed with each mile I logged. The Enemy may have thought I was down for the count, and while I may have been down for a while, I was never out!

My faith has been tested and my endurance has grown. And I’m on my way to a mean right hook!

 ^“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that 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 perfect and complete, needing nothing” James 1:2-4.