Faith in Motion: Walking with Purpose

Faith in Motion: Walking with Purpose

*Disclosure: Post may contain affiliate links. See our full disclosure here.

*I am not a medical doctor. Please see your doctor for medical advice.

Inside: Are you weary or feeling overwhelmed? Walking with purpose through the Walk the Word Challenge combines getting in the Word with getting in shape! Find more energy and perseverance to traverse your day! 

 

Are you weary?

Do you lack energy to show up to your life?

Of all the emails I receive in a month, these by far are the common pain point of my readers:

Christian women and moms who are weary with hard seasons surrounding them. These women are carrying burdens which make them feel like they have no energy.

The feelings listed in the previous sentence aren’t foreign to me as I’m walked through these tough seasons myself.

We all need more Jesus to help us through especially when tough season descend, while  also needing to find time to care for our physical bodies.

I get it.

Finding time for either of these is hard whether you’re in the throes of raising littles or in the season of caring for older parents, or anything in-between.

But yet these two activities can do so much for us when hard times hit. 

Faith in Motion: Walk the Word Challenge

A few weeks ago, this concept of Walking the Word came to me when I was asking the Lord how to bless the women I come into contact with.

The tired, overwhelmed moms and women who are trying to make it through.

The challenge combines growing in faith while getting in shape.

I used to think my Bible study time needed to look a certain way: I needed to be in a quiet, undistracted place where i could dive in deep.

What a setup when I was also raising little ones and this was unachievable. 

I felt guilt and shame because I couldn’t get into the presence of God.

Of course, that was a lie.

Here’s the truth: we don’t need a quiet and secluded place to study God’s word (albeit some days that is so nice) because the truth is most of us only have a pocket of time.

Some of that time is distracting and still full of life especially with littles, but our intention and desire is to be with the Lord which God blesses.

We all don’t have the time or resources to get in the gym. But for the majority of people, we have access to places to walk.

So I thought about combining these two together.

Walk what you can and use this walking time to focus on a key word (prompt I give you) or prayer as you desire while walking.

Why Do We Want to Get Into the Word?

Most of us as Christians know we need to be in the Word, but maybe we don’t know why.

Personally I know that when I spend intentional time in the Word, I feel better. I am able to traverse difficult situations and people.

Here are some of the benefits:

• In the morning the Word can set tone for your day.  You heard of the saying that someone “got up on the wrong side of the bed,” being in the Word places us on the right side.
• Jesus says “he’s the bread of life,” spiritual nourishment and growth is the results of being in the Word.
• The Word guides us in the right direction when we aren’t really sure which way to go.

 

What are the benefits of walking?

• Low impact exercise so the majority of people are able to do.
• Weight burning exercise/ supports weight loss.
• It supports back health.
• Walking helps with memory.
• Boost mood and helps mental health. (Walk outside and this helps even more!)
• By walking, you decrease your risk of chronic disease.
• Walking supports joint health.
• Encourages better sleep.
• Helps increase energy.
• By walking over 8,000 steps a day, you reduce your risk of premature death.

Are you starting to tell yourself…ya, this sounds great but I’m too…busy, tired

I get it.

When we read this post, our brains want to make up oodles of excuses.

I’m too….

I can’t.

Where will I do this?

I don’t have a nice place…

Any time we start anything new, our brains want to throw a temper tantrum.

Want to know the reason why?

Our brains don’t like our body to expand anymore energy than what it needs to. It’s a protective mechanism. 

Many times, we need to boss our brain around and tell it that this change will be good for us.

...we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

(2 Corinthians 10:5b, NIV).

 

Our bodies are a temple and this means staying in shape is also God-pleasing.

 

So my question for you is, what will it hurt to try this for 31 days?

This challenge consists of you committing to:

• Making the necessary time.
• Choosing how many steps you want to do daily.
• And setting intention when you walk to focus on God’s Word.

As you can see, it’s not extreme.

I am only inviting you to give up time to grow in the Word while getting in shape.

What Benefits Have I Noticed

Since last year where I have been aiming for 8-10k steps a day, I have noticed all the benefits I have listed above.

My mood, sleep, and energy levels have been the greatest results for me.

Here’s how I put into action in my daily life: I walk the path around my property and this path has been instrumental in my overcoming tough seasons. 

I feel closest to God while I’m walking and envision myself with Him there on my path. (This will be a future reality in Heaven someday!)

When difficult times hit, heading to my path lifts my spirit, and provides me comfort and healing!

Want to join Walk the Word? Here’s the link to get your started!

 

3DFitBud Simple Step Counter Walking 3D Pedometer with Clip and Lanyard, A420S (Plum)PINGKO Outdoor Multi-Function Portable Sport Pedometer Step/Distance/Calories Counter – Green3D Pedometer for Walking, Simple Step Counter for Walking with Large Digital Display, Step Tracker with Removable Clip Lanyard, Accurately Track Steps for Men Women Kids Adults SeniorsWrist Weights Sets for Women, Adjustable 1 lb Ankle Weights Set of 2 (1Lb Each), Wrist Ankle Weights For Women Increase Training Intensity Yoga Pilates Dance Barre Walking Running(Agate Green)Gaiam Ankle Weights Adjustable Set For Women & Men – Resistance Workout Equipment for Walking, Running, Pilates, Yoga, Dance, Aerobics, Cardio Exercises (5Lb Set – Two 2.5Lb Weights)NIV, Pocket Thinline Bible, Leathersoft, Pink, Snap Closure, Red Letter, Comfort PrintChristian Art Gifts Classic Journal Be Still And Know Psalm 46:10 Floral Inspirational Scripture Notebook, Ribbon Marker, Teal/Gold Faux Leather Flexcover, 336 Ruled PagesPrayer Journal for Women: 52 Week Scripture, Devotional & Guided Prayer Journal