Toothpaste and Workouts

There is more in you than you know. I heard God tell me. You’ve got more and more is required because you rely on me and I am in you. You may be wondering, Rachel, when did you have this thought? Let me give you the back story.

We were headed to Marco Island, Florida my bag was packed, except for the toiletries. I knew my toothpaste was almost gone. The tube was getting pretty empty but I held it in my hand and thought, I’ll probably run out, but it’s better than taking a new, heavier tube, in my checked bag. But it was amazing, it never ran out! I even had more left when I returned home.

One morning just before tossing it in the garbage, I decided to employ the method my husband uses to get at the last little bit. I used the edge of the vanity and I pulled the tube along to force the tooth paste to the end. Next, I used my toothbrush handle and slid it down the tube a second time to ensure I’d get all the remaining paste out. It worked like a charm! It lasted a for a few more days. It was a tube that kept on giving.

At my next brushing, I squeezed again and I heard His voice again, There’s more in you too. I’m never pushing you to hurt you, but for you to know more fully what you contain. You contain me and the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. You are a container of me – the hope of glory. I know! Those profound encounters happened in the bathroom, for goodness sake! Hmm? I chewed on the thought awhile.

Later, I was at the gym working out doing some strength training, a new thing for me this year. Even there I felt the same message was being confirmed and impressed on me. You’ve got more in you.

I’m working with a coach, Chelsea, who is excellent, she both pushes me and is encouraging. One time she gave instructions while demonstrating, “What you’re going to do here is you’re going to walk up these steps, holding a kettle ball weight in each hand.” I looked up at the significant number of steps and watched her climb her way up.

As she climbed, she continued the instructions,”Step by step all the way to the top, engaging the glutes and quadriceps and pushing through the big toe as you climb. Once you reach the top, turn around at the landing a then come back down slowly.” I watched as she demonstrated and then it was my turn. (Side note: I did it! Alternating with another exercise, which I don’t remember and repeating each station three times.)

Later, Chelsea instructed as she laid face-down on a weight bench, bar below. “This time we work to fatigue.  Pull up like you are rowing. You need to give me six, but you may even get up to ten.” I got into position…then, while I’m breathing and lifting she’d ask, “What number are you on?” I replied, “Six!”  She said, “Rachel, you’ve got another, or two more in you!” I would do it!  Then the same message repeated “you’ve got more, there is more in you.

Let me ask you, “Do you know how much you’re capable of? Do you know how strong you are? Do you know the one who meets you even in your weakness? Do you know that you too have more in you?”  Well, let me tell you, you do!

A few reminders:

• But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. 1 John 4:4 NLT

• For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13NLT

• But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV

• The LORD will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun- scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Isaiah 58:11 NIV

Those waters that never fail are better thantoothpaste that never runs out. May God strengthen your frame today. I bless you and remember: “There is more in you, because of who you contain.”

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“the real deal” podcast with Rachel Inouye

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