Zebra Ministries

Good morning Zebras,

One thing I noticed in the Thor movie was the abs and biceps on Chris Hemsworth, not because I was admiring his physique but because I know how hard he had to work to get those muscles.

Exercise takes self-discipline and work, but so does growing in the knowledge of God and, at least for me, they are linked.  Ten years ago, this was the verse that drove me to the gym to get ready for “my” first retreat.

Hebrews 12:12–13: Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.

The lame in the verse does not refer to the physically impaired.  It’s a reference to the spiritually weak and it is more about strengthening ourselves so we can help strengthen others, than it is about exercise.  But I didn’t know until today, (I have no idea how I missed this,) it is a prophecy verse quoted from Isaiah.

Isaiah 35:3–4: Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.”

These movie actors sign contracts with the studios giving them complete control over their lives, so they can transform them into a “superheroes.”  And we signed the same contract with Jesus when we accepted His “free” gift of salvation.

1 Corinthians 6:19–20: Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price.  So glorify God in your body.

God’s people are lazy because the world allows us to be, but that time is coming to an end. Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit that lives inside all believers.  It isn’t a matter of “will power” as much as “will yielding.”  Yielding your will to God and doing what he asks rather than what you want.

I love you Zebras.  Strengthen your feeble arms and legs, physically and spiritually, and say to your fearful heart, “Be strong, God is coming.”  God’s people need to get armored up and ready for battle.

Love,

Jill