I realize that there are many people in this world that do enjoy exercise.  At different times in my life, I have been one of them.  But at others times......when I have neglected my health and am out of shape and lazy.....I really REALLY do not like exercise.  Getting back in the routine is harder than the routine itself.  And the same is true in our spiritual lives.

Ecc. 3:10b  "...to be exercised in it..."  In the first part of this verse King Solomon told us that he had seen that God intentionally gave hard, painful, scary things to His very own children to bring about a specific purpose.  And part of that purpose is for us to be exercised in these trials.

"Exercise" is a word that conjures up pictures of stretching and working and some soreness and stiffness and working through pain.  Bleh!  That does not sound fun to me at all.  But my faith must be stretched and worked and pushed to new limits in order for it to grow or strengthen.  When there is strengthening and growth there is improvement.  My faith is being made better when God sends these trials to me.  That's a pretty interesting thought to try to wrap your brain around.

Comparing God as my Heavenly Father to my daddy here on earth makes this concept very clear though!  My daddy and momma sent us outside to play in the field all the time so that we could get exercise.  My Heavenly Father has my best interests in mind when He sends things to strengthen me.  And it's nice to know that He doesn't just send trials for no reason.

From the end of this verse we can learn that God doesn't waste hurts.  Thank You, Father, for not hurting me just to be mean.  Thank You for sending things that will make me stronger.  I especially thank You that they are things You have designed and are not random or unplanned.