This week, at CrossFit, we worked on our squat snatch.  I know.  What’s that?  I’m not quite sure.  I figure “snatch” refers to quickly grabbing an item of interest.  Like snatching one of these coconut milk ice cream cookies off a friend’s plate.

All I know is we had to lift a bar with weighted plates up and over our heads.  (Which resembled nothing of a “snatch” when I executed the move.)  Once overhead, with arms locked, we were instructed to squat that weight.  Overhead squats.

I squat to a wooden 12” box.  So, I after I snatched the bar up and over my head I began descending down into a squat.  That’s about the time I felt the box welcome my weight.  And I decided to sit on my box.  I had been told to touch and go.  It was too tempting to just sit, though.  So, I did.

With my bar over head, there I sat.  And I told my coach I couldn’t get up.  I really couldn’t.  Once I rested my legs, there was no extending them to stand back tall.

My coach didn’t buy my excuse.

Get up!

I protested.  But, my coach was relentless.

You can stand up, Cristal!

Get up.

I objected emphatically, with that bar still lingering over my head.  I really couldn’t convince my legs to push my body up.

Yes, you can!

You’re not using your arms.

They’re not actively engaged.

My arms?

Look, my arms are the only part of me still playing in this game.  What do you think is keeping this weight from falling on my head?

I need some tips for my legs.  Not my arms.

Engage your arms and stand up!

Ugh.  Okay.  Here goes nothing.

I shrugged my shoulders tight, squeezed my shoulder blades and engaged my arms.

With that determined commitment, my legs straightened and my body rose from the box.

It was fascinating.  I tried it again.  Sure enough.  It worked.  Actively engaging my arms assisted my legs.  Woo hoo!

I stood.

The lessons I learn at CrossFit tend to linger after leaving each morning.  God uses them to teach me and train me throughout the day.

In fact, that particular day, I was in the midst of a dilemma when I sensed God asking me to examine my heart.

Are all your parts actively engaged?

Otherwise, you can’t stand.

Our pastor had asked us to focus on the sixth chapter of Ephesians that week.  Specifically, the Armor of God.

God’s Armor.

Protection produced not by my craftiness.  But available to me.

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

(Ephesians 6:10-11, emphasis added)

Strength manufactured not by my might.  Power produced by the Lord and accessible to me.

The command to put on the WHOLE armor of God.

Earnestly employing all pieces.

Then God reminds me of the need for undivided devotion.

Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’  This is the first and great commandment.” (Matthew 22:37-38, emphasis added)

All?

All.

Committing all parts of me.

Even my mind.  My will.  And my emotions.

I had become slothful in my devotion.  Neglecting certain areas.

Yet, I desire to rise up from the mess.

Even when the heavy weight lingers over my head and I doubt the strength.

How refreshing to be reminded of the secret to standing.

Remain actively engaged.

So we can stand.

Stand.