Judges 16:28 Then Samson prayed to the LORD and said, “O LORD JEHOVAH, remember me again—please strengthen me one more time….” [Living Bible translation]
Isaiah 40:29 HE gives strength to the weary and increase the power of the weak. [New International translation]
Psalms 138:3 When I pray, YOU answer me, and encourage me by giving me the strength I need. [Living Bible translation]
Philippian 4:13 I can do all things in HIM who strengthens me. [Revised Standard translation]
Biblical Comment
Sometimes it takes a lot of strength and energy to make it through the day. It would be nice if every day in life was “walk through the park,” but that simply is not the case. Some days are challenging “mountain climbing” days. Everyone has them. Some days it just takes a lot more strength and energy to make it.
Lack of strength and energy can occur from stress, depression, uncertainty, aging, muscle weakness, feeling overwhelmed, illness, diseases and many of life’s challenges.
Samson was born with supernatural GOD-given abilities. But, along life’s way he lost his strength. He was captured by his enemies, blinded, bound with chains and forced to labor in prison. His enemies laughed at him and ridiculed him. His enemies thought it was over. They thought they had won. But, Samson still had the “strength” to pray. Samson could not see a change in his situation. Nothing he heard lead him to believe that it would change. He was still bound up, but instead of relying on his own strength, he relied on GOD. In Judges 16:19, Samson, in what seemed like a hopeless situation, prayed that GOD give him strength “one more time.” GOD answered Samson’s prayer.
There are a number of Bible verses about the strong relationship between prayer and finding strength.
STRENGTH TRAINING
So often people think that strength training can only occur by lifting heavy weightings or “power lifting.” In their mind’s “eye” they envision huge, muscular men and women, like those they see on TV competing in the Olympics, bench pressing large barbells and wearing huge leather support belts as they deadlift bars loaded with huge weights over their heads. Because it “doesn’t look easy” or that kind of exercise is not for them, many simply cross “strength training” off their list.
But, power lifting is not the only way to strength train.
Resistance Bands
Another way to strength train is to use resistance bands. Resistance bands are made of very strong thick rubber. They come in different sizes and strengths. Sometimes they come with handles. People get a strength workout by stretching them. Generally, the harder they are to stretch the greater the workout.
One of the advantages of resistance bands are they are lightweight, they can generally be used anywhere (at home, at work during breaks, and can be easily packed for travel). At home, they can be used during commercial TV breaks or even while you watch TV or listen to music.
Resistance Band Training Has Benefits for Diabetics
Studies have shown that resistance band training is beneficial to diabetics. Resistance training helps the body use insulin better, lowers glucose levels and helps to burn more calories. The American Diabetes Association recommends resistance band training at least twice a week along with 150 minutes of aerobic exercise (like walking, biking, jogging, etc.). See, “Resistance Band Training for Diabetics,” www.webmd.com/diabetes/resistance-band-exercises#1. Like all exercises, practice, discipline, sticking to it, determination and prayer help. It may seem a little awkward when you begin, but it will get better if you “keep at it.” If you need instruction, speak to your personal physician about physical therapy sessions or what particular exercise would be most appropriate for you. You can also hire a qualified personal trainer for a few lessons. If you search the internet or You Tube for exercise tips or routines, it may still be wise to check with your personal physician about the appropriateness of the exercises for you.
Resistance Band Training are Good For Strength and Tone the Body
In “Tone Up With a Resistance Band,” Kristin McGee recommends resistance bands as a great way to tone up the body. She recommends them for building strength, stretching and for providing a good workout. They are low-impact so they can are sometimes used in physical therapy. McGee states that she has had pregnant women, injured athletes and postnatal moms use resistance bands. See, www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/tone-up-with-a-resistance-band.
Many gyms have trainers who also resistance bands, ropes, or other low impact machines or equipment in their client workout. Resistance band exercises can be performed in a chair, sitting or in a number of positions.
Hand Grip Strengtheners
Hand grip strengtheners are hand held devices that you squeeze open and close that help increase finger, hand, wrist, forearm and flexibility. They come in various sizes to fit large and small hands. They are often advertised as useful to athletes, musicians, people with arthritis and others. In “Handgrip Exercises May Lower Blood Pressure,” Miranda Hitti, reported that two studies conducted at McMasters University in Hamilton, Ontario on a handgrip device showed that “handgrip exercises make blood vessels more flexible, improve blood vessel function and lower high blood pressure.” It was noted that more flexible blood vessels was a sign of healthy blood vessels. Id, www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/news/20041008/handgrip-exercises-may-lower-blood-pressure.
Many gyms have a number of strength training exercises specifically for seniors. Some Medicare health supplemental health plans for seniors (e.g. Medigap) even come with free memberships! Many gyms have “silver sneakers” programs that seniors can often take for free. For more information about Medicare and supplemental plans go to: https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/fitness-programs.html.
There are a lot of ways of finding strength. There is usually “no excuse” for not doing “something.”
KEEP PRAYING AND TRAINING FOR STRENGTH
GOD knows. HE knows when we are weary. HE knows when we are burdened. HE knows when we are weak and when we need strength. And, HE still answers prayer.
Like Samson, often we just need to ask GOD in prayer “one more time” and have faith.
One might say: “If you want the benefits of strength training, you have to train.” You can’t just “do nothing.”
And, as the song “GOD Won’t Answer Your Prayer Until You Pray” states, if you want a prayer answered, you have to pray.
So, keep praying and keep training! Or, as the elders used to say: “Keep on Keeping On.”
Today and every day: Find strength, and BE BLESSED!
