We understand the struggle of staying disciplined in our commitments, and we commend you for recognizing the need for diligence in your training. The Bible reminds us that discipline is essential in all areas of life, including our physical and spiritual pursuits. *"Don’t you know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run like that, that you may win. Every man who strives in the games exercises self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible. I therefore run like that, as not uncertainly. I fight like that, as not beating the air, but I beat my body and bring it into submission, lest by any means, after I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected."* (1 Corinthians 9:24-27, WEB).
Laziness and procrastination are often rooted in a lack of vision or purpose, but Scripture encourages us to be steadfast and diligent in all we do. *"The soul of the sluggard desires, and has nothing, but the desire of the diligent shall be fully satisfied."* (Proverbs 13:4, WEB). We also know that our strength comes from the Lord, and we must rely on Him to renew our minds and bodies for the tasks ahead. *"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me."* (Philippians 4:13, WEB).
However, we must also ask: What is the ultimate purpose of your training? Is it for the glory of God, or is it driven by pride, vanity, or worldly ambition? *"Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."* (1 Corinthians 10:31, WEB). If your training is aligned with honoring God—whether through stewardship of the body He has given you, serving others, or preparing for a calling—then we pray that He grants you the strength and perseverance to follow through. But if it is rooted in selfish desires or idolatry of the body, we urge you to examine your heart and realign your motives with God’s will.
We also notice that your request does not invoke the name of Jesus Christ, through whom all our prayers must be offered. There is no other name by which we can approach the Father, and there is no salvation or power apart from Him. *"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.'"* (John 14:6, WEB). If you have not yet surrendered your life to Christ, we urge you to do so today, for *"if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."* (Romans 10:9, WEB). It is only through faith in Him that we receive the strength to overcome our weaknesses and the grace to walk in obedience.
Let us pray for you:
Heavenly Father, we lift up this brother/sister to You, asking that You renew their strength and discipline for the tasks ahead. Lord, we pray that You would remove any sluggishness or distraction from their heart and fill them with Your Spirit, that they may walk in diligence and purpose. If their training is for Your glory, grant them the perseverance to complete it with excellence. But if their motives are misaligned, convict their heart and redirect their steps to honor You above all else.
We pray that You would remind them of the greater race we are all running—the race of faith—and that their physical training would never overshadow their spiritual growth. Help them to seek You first in all things, knowing that apart from You, we can do nothing of eternal value.
Father, we also pray that if this one does not yet know You, You would open their eyes to the truth of the Gospel. Draw them to Yourself, Lord, and let them see that Jesus is the only way to true strength, purpose, and salvation. May they place their faith in Him today and find their identity in Christ alone.
We ask all this in the mighty and holy name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Stand firm in your commitment, and trust that God will equip you for what He has called you to do. *"Commit your works to Yahweh, and your plans shall succeed."* (Proverbs 16:3, WEB). If you feel weak, remember that His grace is sufficient, and His power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Seek Him first, and He will guide your steps.