Chronic pain stopped me from moving for YEARS. This one tip helped me start moving again.
The story of Joseph in the Bible is also defined by many “but God” moments.
Joseph’s brothers had sold him into slavery, but years later, they needed his help and begged for his forgiveness. Joseph not only saved his brothers, but he saved all of Egypt through a seven-year famine. Only God could weave a thread of hope through such a dire situation.
Discerning God’s providence rightly, Joseph told his brothers, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people” (Genesis 50:20 NLT).
But God!
We all have some “but God” moments in our lives. My journey to become a Revelation Wellness Fitness Instructor is one of them.
My past is filled with chronic pain, back surgery, needles and procedures, years of doctor’s appointments, and physical therapy. Ten years of my life were taken from me and my family by chronic pain.
When I found Revelation Wellness, I was going through a divorce after 30 years of marriage. I was exhausted and depressed. I felt the Lord tell me that I needed to exercise. Exercising consistently would be a part of my healing.
I tried walking a bit. Sometimes I went to a yoga class. But nothing did it for me. I’ve suffered from chronic back pain for many years, so I have to be careful not to overdo it.
When I started RevFit Instructor Training and heard one of their core values, All Movement Matters, something inside me lit up.
All Movement Matters
For years, I thought if I couldn’t do what everyone my age could do, then what was the point? I felt weak, frail, fragile, and not good enough. Have you ever felt that way in your journey with health and fitness? Or in your own body?
But God sent some Jesus-loving, truth-telling, freedom-giving people into my life through RevFit Instructor Training, and the lies became quieter.
I began to embrace the truth that all movement does matter. I was capable of doing this. It didn’t matter that I couldn’t do everything, but that I was able to do what the Lord had given me the ability to do that day. And that was enough. It was good.
The Lord says, “I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten” (Joel 2:25 NLT). Jesus is in the business of giving us back what the enemy has stolen. And He is doing that for me right now.
I began to embrace the truth that all movement does matter. I was capable of doing this. It didn't matter that I couldn't do everything, but that I was able to do what the Lord had given me the ability to do that day. And that was enough.
God told me that moving my body and consistently exercising was going to be a part of my healing journey through depression and grief from the divorce. And wow! I cannot tell you how true that is.
I now crave movement, whether a walk or a RevFit class.
Nowadays, nothing is off-limits. I can do cardio, strength, kickboxing, or drumsticks. I just take an inventory of how my body is feeling and ask God, “what does my body need today?”
It is about living one day at a time as the Bible says, “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today” (Matthew 6:34 NLT).
When you truly catch the vision that all movement matters, it doesn’t matter where you are on your fitness journey or what kind of limitations you have.
Invite Jesus into the journey and see how He changes your mind and body from the inside out. What a joy and privilege it is to move!
Your Turn
Are you obsessed with your body or neglectful? Is it hard for you to believe that “all movement matters?” Do you need a fitness reset?
Here’s what I do when fear and comparison cloud what God says about my body and ability.
Reflect
Reflection is a tool for transformation. When I reflect on my fitness and body with God, He can reshape my thoughts, emotions, actions, and bring about positive change.
Pause
Pause to consider your body and your emotions toward it. Are there any areas of self-criticism, perceived flaws, or physical limitations that make you feel less than confident? Or do worries about your fitness or appearance fuel self-doubt?
Be Honest
Be honest with yourself and give space for love and care.
Journal
Journal your thoughts and your conversation with Jesus about these questions.
Allow His love and grace to comfort you as you reflect on painful thoughts you may have buried inside.
Take your time, there is no rush through this reflection process.
Remember
Remember, “Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:19 NLT). The Lord resides in you. You are precious and so valuable to Him. He chose to dwell within your body. Because what He created was good. And He intends to use it for good.
Truth Over Lies
When you are ready to move forward, ask God to transform those self-critical thoughts about yourself into the truth of how God sees you. List 3-5 truths about your body that the Lord is speaking over you. Let His truth become louder than the lies.
Move
Finally, get moving! Go for a walk, dance along to a RevWellTV workout, lift weights, or anything that gets your body moving!
If you’re ready for more, check out our Revelation Wellness Fitness Instructor Training or LiveWell Health Coach Training.
Experience the freedom found in Christ and lead others to do the same!
Kari Bailey is a Revelation Wellness Instructor (Platoon 32) and a Wellness Revelation Facilitator. She is the Founder of Give Me Jesus Women’s Retreat. Learn more about her and check out her class schedule HERE!
LEAD OTHERS TO LASTING WHOLENESS
Health and wellness coaching is rapidly expanding, with the market set to grow by billions in the coming years.
You can make a positive impact in your community while building a meaningful career and earning an income.
Each training track will equip you to use your unique skills to lead people to wholeness and bring hope to people’s lives.
You’ll get the tools and support you need to lead others to lasting change through Christ.
