Discipline your body

"Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection..." 1 cor 9:27

This verse is talking about running for the crown...an imperishable crown. But for this purpose I want to bring this verse to show that we can bring our body into submission. It seems as if we can't control out habits, addictions, cravings, laziness, etc., but we can. We are ultimately the one who makes the decision. If we are dying to have a brownie and know that it will be the beginning of a downward spiral...we don't HAVE to eat it. We can discipline our body to resist the temptation. "...God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it." 1 cor 10:13 There are so many times that I get my comfort from junk food instead of from the Lord. Sometimes it seems as if the craving is so strong I can't resist it but yet the Lord tells us we can through Him. I have heard that a craving lasts anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes. Ride it out!
Also, if we know that we should go and exercise, yet our body is feeling tired and lazy...we don't have to give in to that. Let's take our bodies and discpline them!
I have been running 5 miles 3 times a week and the other days I do something else. During each mile of my 5 miles, I have to talk myself into running the next mile. It's almost more of a mental thing than a physical thing. I know my body can run those 5 miles, yet my mind is trying to talk me out of actually doing it. Ignore those thoughts and press towards your goal, walking or running in the power of the Holy Spirit...and you WILL achieve. Don't forget to pray before you exercise...or even during. A great way to rely on the Lord and also to spend some time with Him!