Squat Spotting!

This last weekend at church our pastor was referring to a passage that I have held on to in times of struggle.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)
^10:13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

I always thought it reassuring that God does not always desire us to get out of our temptation! Not because I don't want to succeed but because somethings in life are just so pickn hard to get through! Selfishness, pride, arrogance, just to name a few! But as Pastor Rick was sharing he brought up the image of lifting weights. Particularly doing a squat! I immediately was able to relate. The pressure and strain of having large amounts of weight on your shoulders is exactly what temptation is like for me! Temptation seems to be digging into my traps, begging me to give in and let go! But, God steps in as my spotter! If i ASK!

See in the gym i think every guy struggles with the idea of asking someone for a spot. It is humbling to ask someone to catch you if you fail, to admit you may be to weak to do what you are trying to do! But the ironic thing about getting spotted is that often you find that you are able to do more than you think you can!

But with the spot for a squat there is very little spotting. The spotter is behind you....actually in a very awkward position ready to gently support your back! They don't even help you lift the weight! You do it!

Check out this video if you've never seen it or done it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAMu6Lmz2qg

(If it didn't connect you just paste in in your browser)

I think that this is how God works with us! He wants us to work hard at overcoming our temptations! But the whole time he is there giving us the support we need so that we can overcome. We need to humble ourselves and ask him for help. Then we will be able to stand up and be victorious over the temptation that is bearing down on us!