"Feel the Burn"

Feel the burn is an exhortation relating to physical exercise, popularized by actress Jane Fonda in her highly successful aerobic exercise videotapes. The phrase refers to the sensation arising in a muscle being intensely exercised, which may involve a local increase in temperature but is probably due chiefly to the accumulation of metabolic products as the muscle becomes increasingly fatigued. An underlying idea is that the sensation itself provides evidence of the effectiveness of the exercise being performed. (cf. "No pain, no gain").

Although it probably originated with twentieth century bodybuilders and its use is general in exercise and sporting activities, it can also be applied to our spiritual journeys. The amount of weight that we can lift or the number or reps that we can do will not strengthen our faith. Our physical stature may change and grow stronger, but not our faith. Faith is strengthened when it is put to the test. And yes, feeling the burn hurts, but the results make the pain worth it.

James says that we ought to "count it pure joy when we face trials because we know that the testing of our faith develops perseverance..." (Jas 1:2-3). In other words, when we go through trials our faith is not only being tested, but it is also producing something. Just like weight training and the work required to produce the look we seek or the size we desire, our struggles help to develop our perseverance. And perseverance makes us grow mature and complete in Him. According to James, this is what we should know - that something is developing in us.

Therefore, when facing trials... while enduring what we are enduring with this economy, trust God that He's strengthening your faith. Paul even tells us in Romans 5:3-4 to "rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." At the end of what we go through hope is produced. And hope is the ability to hold onto to a thing, when you do not see a thing, until you have that thing.

It never feels good when your pressing, lifting up, or holding back that weight while training to strengthen your physical strength. But the results are incredible. The pay-off makes all that you went through to get to where you are feel like it was worth it. "Feeling the burn" does not feel good at all, but the results help both you and I to endure the pain.

"...train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." (1 Tim 4:7a-8)