Push away from the floor—a simple cue that I’d forgotten. Tired and frustrated with my slow progress on deadlifts, I grabbed my phone, recorded a whiny message, and sent it to my powerlifting coach in Belize. I thought he would text me. But no, it was a video call, and he said, “Show me what’s going on.”
It was one of those days when I just could not coach myself through the fog. I needed help. I turned the camera around, put in my mouthpiece, and adjusted my belt. His simple instruction was, “Keep your arms long and push away from the floor. Let’s go.” I did as I was told, and a weight that barely moved before came up off the ground with ease.
The wise are glad to be instructed, Proverbs 10:8 NLT
Push Away From the Floor
Rebuilding my deadlift after surgery has been tedious. Foot position, shoes, and strengthening various muscles that had atrophied because of aging and lack of use all played a role in the recovery process. But the reminder to push away from the floor was key. Two weeks have passed, and I’ve added 33 lbs to my top deadlift by telling myself that simple cue.
When life brings you down to the floor, can you push away from it? Some struggles require a strategy. Wisdom says we must align our actions with God’s instructions. It’s not always possible to dig deeply into large passages. But we can overcome when we slow down, keep it simple, and take in the cues He has for us.
The Wise Are Glad to be Instructed
My coach writes the workout program I follow and reminded me that he is available to help me; all I have to do is ask. I am glad for his instruction because he see things I can’t. If my coach, a human, can guide a team of lifters to find their strength, how much more competent is God? Walking and praying today, I realized how glad I am for His instructions. I pray that you and I, dear reader, will continue to cherish God’s words and find our strength in Him.
*For those of you who prayer walk, ask God for a cue, a short instructive phrase, to help you find strength in Him.