There is no doubt that resistance and endurance build strength. I used to weight lift a lot in my twenties. One of the foundations of strength training is resistance. To build muscle mass, you have to break down the muscle. This process is done through the use of weights. Weights make your muscles work harder than they would in normal circumstances. Through continued resistance training, your muscles develop in size and definition. Many things contribute to muscle development including weight training, diet and rest. One thing is for sure, without weight training resistance, you will not get big or defined muscles.
Just as important as resistance is, endurance is equally essential. Endurance build strength. When you apply the term endurance to physical activity, it is vital to push yourself. Pushing yourself through the pain and struggles will yield results. As the saying goes, “no pain, no gain.” Recently, I have decided to get back into playing racquetball. I used to play quite a bit back in the day, but I ended up taking a quite a few years break. Getting back into the game requires endurance.
If you are unfamiliar with the game of racquetball, it is a game of tennis, without a net, and in an enclosed room. You trade the tennis ball in for a bouncy ball. Playing the game, you take turns hitting the bouncing ball off of the front wall. You are always moving and have to build up your endurance in order get to the ball. If you are out of shape, it is nearly impossible to get to the ball. Playing the game day after day builds endurance and gives you the tools that are necessary to compete.
Resistance and endurance build strength in our life.
Just like weight lifting and racquetball, trials in our life also work through resistance and endurance. Our resistance during trials is disobedience of God. Endurance is built up through trials in our life. When we work to be Christ-like, our endurance increases. Instead of fighting battles on our own, we lift them up to God. As the burden gets lighter, our endurance increases. When our endurance increases, our resistance becomes less and less.
To build a solid walk with Christ, we must reduce our resistance. We must increase our endurance by trusting God with everything in our life. To shape ourselves into a Christ-like model for others, it is imperative that find endurance in our spiritual walk. Just like physical exercise, spiritual exercise is essential as well. Praying and reading God's word will help define our body.
Romans 5:3-4 ESV Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,