Training is a daily act of discipline: showing up when you'd rather not, doing the hard rep, coming back tomorrow. Scripture has a lot to say about that kind of strength, and about where it really comes from. Here are seven verses worth carrying into your next session.
1. Psalm 144:1
"Blessed be the LORD my strength which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight."
David was a warrior and a king, and he knew his skill was a gift. Train hard, and remember who taught your hands.
2. 1 Corinthians 9:24
"Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain."
Paul used athletes on purpose. Don't just go through the motions. Train like it counts.
3. 1 Corinthians 9:27
"But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway."
The body is a good servant and a bad master. Training is one way to keep it in its place.
4. 2 Timothy 2:3
"Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ."
Some days the work is just hard. Endure it. That's part of the mission.
5. Isaiah 40:29
"He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength."
For the last set, the last mile and the days you start on empty.
6. Proverbs 27:17
"Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend."
Find a training partner who pushes you, and be that man for him.
7. Joshua 1:9
"Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."
Strength isn't only physical. Courage is a muscle too.
A note on safety: train within your ability, scale any workout and check with a doctor before starting a new program.
Wear the verse
Three of these verses are on Built Daily tees: the Psalm 144:1 Kneeling Knight Tee, the Proverbs 27:17 Iron Sharpens Iron Tee and the Joshua 1:9 Crowned Lion Tee. Shop the Faith Collection →