It was the last session of the fall Bible study. God and I had been wrestling with a few things for the past couple months and while I kept saying, "I'll be obedient to where God guides", I really had made my mind up. However, that week's homework had me in Nehemiah. Both Ezra and Nehemiah made lasting impacts on the lives of God's people. It stirred something in my heart, but not enough to make any big changes. This quote in the last chapter of the Bible study stood out to me though:
"You cannot experience personal revival in your relationship with Jesus Christ and do nothing! If you truly have awaked, opened your eyes, tended your heart, bent your knees, and said yes, then it naturally follow that you must move your feet!" I Saw the Lord, p. 155
When obedience to God includes running shoes and weights : thebettermom.com
Anne Graham Lotz was tying up the chapter we had read for the week, "Move Your Feet!" from the book, "I saw the Lord" during our last DVD session. You know the typical courtroom scene when the closing arguments are being displayed...well, that's what I feel like God was doing with this DVD. He was giving me His closing arguments--and man--was He good!
» "PAY ATTENTION: What need has grabbed your heart?"
Burden is the first step to vision. Step through the open door.
"Well, God, I know you've given me a passion and desire to help women with their health, but there's no way you mean this for RIGHT NOW! Those women that open their hearts about eating disorders, food addictions, and exhaustion -I'm sure they would tell that to anyone. And those open doors you've been swinging open in front of me over the last 2 months--I'm sure it's just coincidence."
» "PUT on the clothes for the call. How has God equipped you to serve Him?"
When it gets hard, doesn't mean I'm not in God's will. Don't look at what you had before He calls you to do it. Obey with the smallest thing.
"The 7 years of teaching aerobics and pilates were certainly convenient, along with the many years before that of unofficial training of many friends. But now--a blog? I have no idea how to do a blog! I mean, I love Facebook and all--but seriously--a blog? Did you forget that I have an 18 month old and a 4 year old?"
» "Putting your faith into practice"
What does God want to accomplish through you? Obedience unlocks heaven. HE equips you.
*tears* Uncontrollable. OK, God. I get it. I will walk forward in obedience and faith, but let it be known--I'M SCARED TO DEATH!
♥♥♥
This was my experience in the fall of 2010 as God was preparing my heart to open up my blog, Claresmith.me. (formerly Peak313) Never did I think that walking in obedience and leaving an impact on those in my generation would have included running shoes and weights! God took a passion, burden, and talent of mine and has used it to bring glory to His name and good to His people. I've found that many women--and especially young mamas--struggle with their health and not just in context of losing weight, getting rid of muffin-top, and making time for exercise, but also how to work that into every day life while keeping an eternal perspective. It is an honor each day to help women live in GRACE and not GUILT in regards to their health---something I can only do via the Spirit of the Lord!
My blog has been such a ride in my faith and I'm convinced that He gave it to me not only to use my gifts for those who may need encouraged, but also to take me deeper into my walk with Him! So when God was ending that Bible study saying, "Move your feet!", little did I know that it was the beginning of a long race ahead! To Him be the glory!
Blessings,
Clare, claresmith.me
This post is a part of our “Who We Are” Series. For all posts visit,
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