Developing Muscle Memory
I was thinking back on a classic scene from The Karate Kid and it brought to mind a few encouraging thoughts. In summary, Daniel is the new kid in town who finds himself being bullied by a gang of kids proficient in karate. In an effort to defend himself he enlists the help of his neighbor and karate master, Mr. Miyagi. In the beginning, Daniel’s training consists of doing odd, menial chores around Miyagi’s property. After days of backbreaking work, Daniel gets fed up with these tasks and confronts Miyagi, questioning his motives and threatens to quit. It is then that the true reason for these chores is revealed…muscle memory. Daniel quickly learns just how effective his training has been and is ready to go to the next level.
How often do we relate to this as Christians? Like Daniel, we run to God when we’re in trouble hoping he will help us defeat our problems and our foes, but instead find ourselves being put in the training field. Instead of having a moment of butt-kicking glory, we end up doing odd tasks around God’s property that comes in the form of physical, financial, and relationship challenges. It isn’t long before we start to question God’s motives and threaten to quit.
But wait! Could it be these hard times are training us for the big fight as well? In The Karate Kid, Miyagi’s repetitive chores created the skills needed to easily block the blows of Daniel’s enemies. In other words, it was defense training and I am convinced God is often doing the same in us; building muscle memory in the form of wisdom and faith so that we too will be prepared to block the blows of our enemy. And like Daniel, we’ll be ready and well-trained without even realizing it. Are you ready to go to the next level?
“Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.”
-Ephesians 6:10-18
