Getting Strong for What Matters Most

“Strong is the new skinny.”

“Sweat now, shine later.”

“Train insane or remain the same.”

I had to Google those phrases—because they’re the kinds of things women who love working out say.

And I have never been that woman.

I’ve never found workouts “therapeutic.” I’ve never had that rush of endorphins people talk about. In fact, working out hard is… well, hard—and hard has never been my jam.

But God.

God’s Word has something to say about taking care of our bodies.

Proverbs 31:17 says, “She girds herself with strength, and makes her arms strong.”

This is about the Proverbs 31 woman—the woman I aspire to be. She is prepared for action. She’s capable, equipped, and strong.

And when I think about “making my arms strong,” I think about what women do with their arms—lifting children, carrying groceries, hugging loved ones, cooking meals, cleaning homes, comforting the hurting.

Our strength isn’t just for us—it’s for serving the people God has placed in our lives.

When I first started working out, I was afraid—afraid I couldn’t do it, afraid it wasn’t “me.” But I was more afraid of not doing it. More afraid of not being strong enough to show up for my family. More afraid of my body failing when they need me.

So, I move. I train. I build strength—not to chase a number on a scale, but to be prepared for the life God has called me to live.

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for the body You’ve given me. Help me to care for it as a good steward of Your

creation. Give me the courage to do hard things and the strength to serve well. Make my arms

strong—not just for my sake, but so I can love and help the people You’ve placed in my life. In

Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Written by:

Stacey Beck