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Rise and Go North

How long have you wanted to get in better shape? It's probably been a long time, but for one reason or another, you keep putting it off. This challenge will move you into action by helping you to align with God's Word. It's time to take action.

In addition to Jesus telling the infirmed man at Bethesda to rise, God delivered a similar message to Moses. While wandering in the desert, God spoke to Moses and said, "Listen up, you've been in this place long enough—go north."

You may be feeling stuck like the infirmed man at the pool waiting for a miracle, or you may be feeling like the Israelites on a journey for 40 years desperately hoping for the promised land. But, from your vantage point, it seems like it may never happen for you.

Wherever you find yourself, know that today is a new day, and it's time for a change. It's time to do a new thing. It's time to stop circling the same mountain and 'go north'—upwards and onwards towards a healthier life.

The Israelites were wandering in the desert; the man was lying at a pool. Two extremes, yet their struggle was similar—they were both stuck in a cycle.

Jesus' question to him exposed just how stuck he was in his pattern. Jesus was speaking to the man's heart condition when He asked him if he wanted to get well. Regardless of whether you've been stuck because you have a physical infirmity, whether you fell out of the habit and find it hard to start, or because you're not motivated, it's time to go north.

Yes, you may backslide sometimes, but it's all good. God is not asking for perfection. He's looking for progress.

Yes, the journey will be difficult, and your flesh may be kicking and screaming, but God promises that He will be with you in the midst of it, and He will give you the strength to bear up under it.

Are you ready to go north?

Reflect

1. How is the Lord leading you to 'go north?'

2. What has gotten in the way as you've tried to move forward in the past?

3. How do you believe this time will be different?

Worship and Prayer

"Lord, I'm so tired of circling the same mountains in my life. I'm so tired of my disobedience and rebelliousness, yet I'm not sure I know how to live any other way. I've been doing it my way for so long that I don't even recognize it, Lord. Please open my eyes so I can see a new direction. I will look up and fix my eyes on you. I surrender my habits, my proclivities, my will, and my ways to you, Lord. I'm ready to make exercise part of my daily lifestyle. In your name, I pray. Amen."