the will

....we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:5


I've started running in preparation for the military. I guess I have to pass some physical stuff to get in, so I figured I'd better get a head start. I'm up to 1 1/2 miles now, which isn't bad considering I lasted about 250 yards my first day.

I'm learning that running is like 99% mental. After the first 1/4 mile, my legs begin to really ache, my stomach gets upset, and I feel like my knees are going to give out. I have the strong desire to turn back and promise to do a longer run tomorrow. I actually feel this way for most of the run. I know that my body can go much further, but my mind, my will, is telling me to stop. "It's too hard. You don't have to do this. You will be happier if you stop." I have to fight hard against this inner voice. Every time I start a run, I know my will will be tested. It's hard.

But it is very good (even though I hate it). Not only are my legs, but my will, is getting into shape.

The battlefield IS in the mind and if my will is "in shape" than I am more apt to win those battles. Any kind of temptation, doubt, fear--all that bad stuff, are attacks on our will--to get us to do or not do something. Some folks are dominated by negative thoughts. I wonder if that is because they are weak willed. I wonder if that would change if they began to exercise their will.

I'm learning the importance of exercising the will. I realize that I have been lax in this and it has affected many areas of my life. I guess this is why something like fasting is so important--because it is a good work out for your will. It pushes you to a place where you want to stop but must choose to continue. Not a fun place to be, but an important place to be. One of the pitfalls of our culture is we never have to go there.

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I still have not heard anything official from the military. I did call some officer dude today and he told me pretty much...."you'll hear something when you hear something, until then, don't bother me".

I guess if you've ever been in the military, you understand that last sentence very well.