By Benescke Janse van Rensburg

Two Canadian universities recently conducted an interesting research study. They wanted to determine if short stair climbing sessions throughout the day could improve your heart health and overall fitness.

For the study, a group of adults, who mostly sit in front of a computer or in an office throughout the day, were divided into two groups. The first group climbed three sets of stairs three times a week. The second group of people did no exercise.

After six weeks, the two groups' fitness levels were tested. The first group was not only fitter, but also stronger than the group that did no exercise. The conclusion was that people working in office buildings or living in apartment buildings can effectively improve their fitness levels by simply climbing a few stairs in the mornings, over lunch or even at night - rather than using the lift.

If we want our faith to grow, we too need to exercise it. I often get asked by believers, who admit to not knowing their Bibles well, what they can do to change it. My point of departure usually is that if we understand the power of God’s Word, it becomes easier for us to make it a priority.

In Romans 10:17 we read: “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” In Ephesians 4:12 we read: “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword . . . and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” And in Psalm 119:105 we read, “Your word is a lamp to my feet. And a light to my path.” The Word strengthens our faith, helps us with discernment, and fills us with wisdom.

Also in Hebrews 6: 11-12, we read that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the evil forces in the air. Our knowledge of God's Word and His promises is our weapon in our fight against the enemy. The better our knowledge, the sharper our sword that we enter the war zone with.

Just as we can incorporate climbing stairs into our daily routine to effectively improve our fitness, we can begin to memorize God's promises by incorporating the process into our daily routine. Write down the promise and put it up in your room or car, carry it with you or download some Bible app onto your smartphone. Read the Word and memorize it. In doing this, we discover the One at the center of our faith.

Let’s make God’s Word a priority in our lives. Soon we may experience that our faith is not only stronger, but we suddenly have more wisdom and discernment as we hear the Holy Spirit's voice clearer in our spirit. God wants to talk to us. Let’s take the time to listen! God bless.

Father God, thank you for your Word. Please guide me through your Holy Spirit to understand what I read as soon as I open the Bible. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

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