Hey fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, I’m Huai! I’m someone who believes that fitness isn’t just about working out—it’s about honoring God with the strength He’s given us. I’ve walked through some tough seasons, including battling depression, and through it all, God has used fitness to help me grow stronger in my body and in my faith. For me, every workout is a chance to worship, to build my relationship with God, and to serve others with the strength I’ve gained.
In my journey of overcoming depression and finding strength through faith and fitness, I’ve come to realize that the two aren’t separate—they go hand in hand.
Fitness has not only transformed my physical health but has also deepened my relationship with God. Through every workout, every challenge, I’ve seen how God’s grace sustains me and how He uses physical activity to shape my spirit. I want to share with you five ways to stay active while putting God first, drawn from my own experiences.
1. Start Your Workout with Prayer
I used to dive straight into my workouts—push-ups, pull-ups, runs—without much thought. But one day, during a particularly difficult period in my life, I felt led to stop before each session and take a moment to pray. This was during the time when I was struggling with depression and questioning my purpose. Instead of focusing on the physical pain, I started asking God to guide me through it. I’d pray for strength, not just to complete my workout, but to overcome the inner struggles I was facing.
One prayer that stuck with me during these times was, “God, help me see this workout as a way to honor you with the strength you've given me. Help me push through this pain and remind me that You are my source of power.”
I quickly realized that prayer before a workout didn’t just help me physically—it set the right mindset, reminding me that my strength comes from God. It turned each workout into a form of worship, a way to thank Him for the ability to move and grow stronger.
Scripture Reference:
"Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." — 1 Corinthians 10:31
2. Set Goals with Purpose
When I first started training, my goals were all about numbers—lifting heavier, running faster, and pushing my physical limits. But as I grew in my faith, I started to realize that my fitness goals didn’t just have to be about physical gains. I began asking myself, “How can my fitness journey reflect God’s purpose for my life?”
For example, when I set the goal to complete a half marathon, I didn’t just want to finish—I wanted to use it as an opportunity to meditate on God’s Word. As I trained, I would listen to worship music or Bible verses, using each run to not only get stronger physically but to deepen my spiritual walk. One of my most memorable moments was during the race itself when I felt the urge to pray out loud as I ran. It was as if God was telling me, “This isn’t just about finishing the race—it’s about trusting Me with every step.”
God began to shift my perspective on goals. Now, I ask myself, “What is the purpose behind this goal?” and how can I use this opportunity to serve Him? Whether it’s setting a new personal record or simply staying consistent with my training, my goals have become an act of worship.
Scripture Reference:
"I can do all this through him who gives me strength." — Philippians 4:13
3. Incorporate Scripture into Your Routine
I’ll never forget the day I hit a wall during a training session. It was an intense workout—one where I thought I couldn’t go any further. I felt weak and exhausted, but as I struggled, a verse came to mind: Isaiah 40:31. I began repeating it in my mind, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” With each repetition of the verse, I felt my body responding. I wasn’t just pushing through the pain—I was renewing my strength in God’s promises.
From that day on, I started to incorporate Scripture into my workouts. I’d memorize a verse each week and meditate on it while doing cardio or lifting weights. This not only helped me stay focused but reminded me that my physical endurance was nothing compared to the strength God gives. It became a way to align my workouts with my faith, reminding myself that God is the true source of my strength, both mentally and physically.
Scripture Reference:
"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." — Isaiah 40:31
4. Practice Gratitude Through Movement
During one of the lowest points in my life, when I was battling depression and feeling stuck, I didn’t have the energy or the will to work out. But I remember my mom encouraging me to start small. “Just move, Huai. Start with anything, and thank God for the ability to move.”
So I started with something simple—taking a short walk. As I walked, I began to reflect on the things I was grateful for, even in the midst of my struggles. I thanked God for giving me legs to walk, breath to take in, and a heart that was still beating. Slowly, those small moments of gratitude turned into longer walks, and eventually, they led to more intense workouts.
Every time I train now, I practice gratitude. It’s become second nature to thank God for my body, for my health, and for the strength He provides. Whether I’m doing yoga, lifting weights, or running, I’m reminded that my body is a gift from Him, and taking care of it is a form of worship.
Scripture Reference:
"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever." — Psalm 107:1
5. Serve Others with Your Fitness
Fitness, to me, is no longer just about self-improvement—it’s a tool I use to serve others. One of the most fulfilling moments of my fitness journey came when I started using my training to give back. Whether it was organizing a charity run to raise funds for children’s education or volunteering at fitness events, I realized that I could use my strength to help those in need.
It was around the time I was preparing for a major competition that I had a shift in perspective. Instead of just focusing on winning for myself, I thought about how my hard work could inspire others to push through their own challenges. God showed me that He has given me strength not just for personal gain, but to serve others, just as Jesus served those around Him.
When you use your fitness to serve, it becomes a ministry. Whether it's helping someone get started with a fitness journey or donating your time to a cause, your strength is no longer just about you—it’s about impacting the lives of others.
Scripture Reference:
"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms." — 1 Peter 4:10
Fitness is not just about physical gains—it’s about using our strength, both body and spirit, to glorify God. When you keep Him at the center of your fitness journey, it becomes a powerful way to grow in faith and serve others. I encourage you to take these principles and integrate them into your own life, remembering that every step, every lift, every run can be an act of worship.
Your fitness journey is more than just about achieving physical strength—it's an opportunity to deepen your relationship with God and serve those around you. Every time you lace up your shoes, hit the gym, or step onto the track, remember that you’re not just building your body—you’re strengthening your faith.
I encourage you to take a moment today, before your next workout, to invite God into your routine. Set purposeful goals, fill your workout with gratitude, and let each movement be a reflection of His strength. Don’t just train for your body—train to glorify God in all that you do.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s honor God with the strength He has given us. Start today, and remember—through Him, you can do more than you ever imagined.
Let’s keep moving, with purpose and faith.