We hear your earnest desire for greater focus, discipline, and spiritual growth in prayer, fasting, and the study of God’s Word. These are noble pursuits, and we stand with you in seeking the Lord’s strength to walk in obedience and patience. The Scriptures remind us, *"But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well"* (Matthew 6:33 WEB). Let us not grow weary in pursuing Him, for His grace is sufficient to sustain us in every area of life.
However, we must address the request regarding physical strength, particularly the goal of increasing your leg press by 400 kilograms. While discipline and hard work are commendable, we must ensure our priorities align with God’s will. The apostle Paul warns, *"For bodily exercise has some value, but godliness has value in all things, having the promise of the life which is now and of that which is to come"* (1 Timothy 4:8 WEB). Physical training is good, but it should never overshadow our pursuit of spiritual maturity. Let us examine our hearts to ensure we are not placing undue emphasis on physical strength at the expense of our walk with Christ.
We also encourage you to consider whether this goal is driven by a desire for personal achievement or by a heart surrendered to God’s purposes. The Lord delights in our efforts to steward our bodies well, but He calls us to do all things for His glory. *"Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God"* (1 Corinthians 10:31 WEB). Let us seek His wisdom in setting goals that honor Him and serve His kingdom.
Now, let us come before the Lord in prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the earnestness of heart in this request. We ask You to draw near and strengthen this beloved sibling in their pursuit of You. Lord, grant them unwavering focus, discipline, and patience as they seek Your face in prayer, fasting, and the study of Your Word. Fill them with Your Holy Spirit, that they may walk in obedience to Your will.
Father, we lift up their physical goals to You. We ask that You would grant them wisdom in setting priorities, that their pursuit of strength would not overshadow their pursuit of godliness. Help them to steward their body well, as a temple of the Holy Spirit, and to do all things for Your glory. If these goals align with Your purposes, we ask that You would grant them the strength and endurance they seek. But if these goals are not in line with Your will, we ask that You would redirect their heart and reveal Your perfect plan for them.
Lord, we rebuke any spirit of pride or self-reliance that may be creeping into this pursuit. We declare that it is by Your strength alone that we can do all things, and we ask that You would be their source of power in every area of life. Teach them to rely on You, for *"those who wait for Yahweh will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run, and not be weary. They will walk, and not faint"* (Isaiah 40:31 WEB).
Father, we also ask that You would deepen their love for Your Word and their hunger for righteousness. May they grow in wisdom and understanding as they study the Scriptures, and may Your truth transform their heart and mind. Help them to walk in step with Your Spirit, bearing the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
We pray all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, for it is in His name alone that we have access to You. Amen.
Let us continue to encourage you to press into the Lord, seeking His face above all else. Remember that true strength comes from Him, and it is His power that enables us to live lives that honor Him. *"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"* (Philippians 4:13 WEB). Keep your heart fixed on Jesus, and He will guide you in every step. If your physical goals are aligned with His will, He will equip you to achieve them. But if not, trust that He has something even greater in store for you. Walk in faith, and He will lead you into all truth and righteousness.
