The word of the day is Progress.

Are you making any?

Do you feel like most days you’re not?

Isn’t it funny how sometimes we feel like so many things are blocking us and we’re not in control?

Well, the good news is we’re not. God’s plans ultimately reign supreme over ours. But we still have to do our part. Many times, He’s waiting for that.

The Word of the day comes from Proverbs 16:3. “Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed.”

Don’t let this scripture excite you too much though. Sometimes success in our eyes isn’t success according to what God wants for our lives. How many times have you worked hard to achieve something only to experience something totally different than what you originally envisioned in your own mind?

Commit your actions to the Lord though. No matter what happens, whether right or wrong, good or bad, the way you wanted it or not, you can’t lose. If you followed when called, that’s all God’s asking for.

I truly believe God just wants to see progress. We aren’t perfect and he never expects us to be. That’s why He sent His one and only son to die on the cross for us (John 3:16).

Recently at our Combine 360 Workout, people had the choice to either take on the FMU signature exercises as a regular workout or time, count, and re-test their scores from their previous Combine Challenge.

Some people weren’t sure what to do and they asked if and why they should re-test their scores. I responded with, “Do you care about numbers and measuring progress? If so, then go for it.”

The Combine workout is not so much about getting in a hard workout as much as it is about measuring your progress. You can measure three areas of progress when completing this training assessment:

Physical markers. Did you actually improve in certain areas?

Performance Mentality. How did you handle the pressure or attack certain areas differently?

The Just Do It attitude. Did you just say yes even if you really didn’t want to do it? This in itself is a huge measure of progress for many people.

There’s no wrong decision. It’s a great workout either way. Some people just really thrive on seeing progress.

I will say that sometimes when we feel like we are being “blocked” from making progress, it’s because we haven’t fully committed our actions to the Lord.

See, there are two S’s that JeSuS was made of, among many others:

#1: Self-Discipline.

#2: Sacrifice.

I really feel like these two traits are the main difference makers between gamers and blamers.

Gamers are self-disciplined. They do that hard stuff now that they might not want to do, but they know they have to do in order to accomplish the next step in life.

They make the sacrifice now (giving up certain things, getting out of their comfort zone, enduring some hardships) so they can reap the rewards later.

Life is dynamic. Sometimes it’s all about small steps, gradual, progressive, over time that make a big impact in your life. But it’s also sometimes about taking some really, big, giant steps now, that you may never know are even possible, that will make all the other small steps yet to come, even easier and smoother. (I’m not sure that even makes sense! But do you get it?)

Either way, like I told my kids at St. Raphael’s this past week at Rock The Challenge, there’s no pressure. You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do. That’s what the gift of Grace provides.

The Crucifixion (Jesus dying for our sins) is Grace for you and me. This means, the work is done. Nothing else has to happen. You are loved no matter what. You get a second chance no matter what. You are forgiven no matter what. Even though good works are great, they aren’t required (Ephesians 2:8).

However, like James points out throughout his whole book in the bible, works just happen when the heart converts. It’s a natural progression from turning your old life in for a new one.

So whatever it is in your life, whether it be relationships, faith, fitness, finances, or your mental status, let’s focus on making progress.

We’ll get two steps ahead, then one back.

We’ll relapse often.

We’ll never feel like we’re quite where we want to be.

But we can relax in our faith knowing that it’s all part of God’s plan.

We just need to do our part and Commit Our Actions To Him, in everything that we do.

And watch what happens.

Chances are, making progress in your life isn’t even about you.

It’s about all those kids, people, and even strangers, that are watching.

Don’t take my word for it.

Strive to make progress today. It will take a lot of self-discipline and sacrifice. But it may just be an absolute game-changer for you and everyone in your life.

God bless,
#INAM

Coach Theo