The whiteboard on the wall at the physical therapy room where I've been going recently says, "Keep Pushing Yourself!" I recite to myself the refrain, "I think I can, I think I can", from the childhood storybook about "The Little Engine That Could". When my strength is built back, I'll celebrate by saying "I knew I could, I knew I could!" But for now, I need to be disciplined to do the exercises at home on a regular prescribed basis.

My recent experience with physical therapy sessions has been enlightening. I'm not finished yet. Here are three things that I have learned about what I need to do to keep pressing on towards the goal of being stronger.

1. I need a good prescription from my doctor outlining the exercises that I need to do.

2. I need a trained physical therapist to show me what to do, to encourage me to keep on, and to measure my progress.

3. I need to be disciplined to do the exercises and allow healing to take place, and not to become lazy.

These things make me think about maintaining my spiritual health. So here are three resources that I've been given to become stronger and to be more useful in God's kingdom now:

1. My spiritual doctor is Jesus, and in the Bible, He has outlined the exercises that I need to do to maintain my spiritual health and to stay close to Him.

John 15:5 – I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. (ESV)

2. I need the indwelling Holy Spirit to remind me, to guide me, to strengthen me, to encourage me, and to give me direction and feedback. He will give me periodic checkups on how well I am allowing Him to guide me.

John 14:26 – But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. (ESV)

3. I need to stay disciplined in my attempts to follow Jesus regardless of difficulties, and I have the example set by the apostle Paul.

Philippians 4:12-13 – I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (NIV)

As believers, we need to remember that we have been given all that we need to pursue a life of following Jesus closely as we read the Word of God.

Prayer: Dear God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, thank You for sending Your Son to provide all that we need for life. Help us in our weakness always to look to Jesus to revive us so that we may bring You the glory that You deserve. Amen.