This year at the 2010 Father and Son Retreat the boys and men enjoyed father and son walks (like the hike to the summit of this 12,000 foot mountain pictured above that I took with three of my boys), the preaching of the Word of God, and glorious fellowship with like-minded men. They also did push-ups—some did hundreds a day, and a few as many as 500. From the opening of the event, I encouraged the men to take control and discipline of their bodies—so we found ourselves dropping to the ground over and over again between events.
I love having a focused exercise program. It requires goal-setting, perseverance, great effort, and pain. But it also produces joy, blessings, and tangible benefits. That is why I sometimes think of exercise as a physical metaphor for the victorious life of Christ. Pushing our bodies reminds me that it is worth fighting hard to see the greatest goals realized. We need to fight hard and hold fast, even as we wholeheartedly “wait upon the Lord.” This waiting on the Lord is critical. It requires faith and hope. It means fighting hard and holding fast to the things we know to be true, as we wait upon the Lord. But there is a wonderful conclusion to the story:
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31