Day Five : Endurance.

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.” - Romans 5:3-4 NLT

Recently I am back to the gym and enroll myself in PT (Personal Trainer) program. It's been a while since my last workout time, so starting over is not easy. 

The main reason of why I get back to the gym and even enroll myself in PT program is because I want to be fit for diving (because I love diving so much).

When I went diving around end of July this year, I faced some difficulties with my physical condition, I couldn't bent over and wore my diving fins that someone helped me by putting on my diving fins to my feet. It was a cinderella moment but definitely not a happy moment for me. I felt sad and upset at that moment. 

This is not right! I felt that I was being a drag and I could feel that the diving itself became exhausting for me. It struck me like a lighting, if I want to dive for a long time, I need to take care of my body and health very well, plus, I plan to take further diving certifications. 

So I am back to the gym and start training with my Personal Trainer starting in August 2015.

At first it felt like HELL, I ran out of breath easily, I got light headed and sore muscles after every workout. Thankfully I have a good PT, he designs a suitable workout sets for me (knowing that I have problem with low blood pressure), he also provides me lots of health tips and watches my food intakes, he also encourages me during workout to push my limit (although, he said that it was still his "easy" mode -- haha!). And I did whatever he told me to do.

It was not easy. But gradually, once I keep working out and keep pushing myself, I find myself developing a good endurance and my body resistance is growing better, which means I have a better stamina, stronger muscles and better body shape :)

And when I went diving again in mid October 2015, I felt better. I got a fitter body, I could put on my diving fins on my own (yaaay!) and I enjoyed my diving time without having to be a drag or feel exhausted. Now, I feel hopeful and confident of taking further diving certifications.

The same thing also applies in life. Just like muscles being trained over and over again with increasing repetitions, weight and less resting time, if we don't give up and keep pushing through, it will slowly develop a resistance and become even stronger. That works exactly the same with our faith muscles. 

Problems and trials are like training for our faith muscles, if we don't give up we will stretch ourselves in endurance in facing the hardships holding on to the faith and hope that in everything God is working for the good of His children. 

If you are currently facing a hard time, don't give up, keep holding on and keep pushing through. It will not be easy and no one promised that it would be easy (not even God) but if we keep pressing on, we will see greater things ahead in the chance to experience God's miracle and get stronger. I will be praying for you :)