In the world of exercise and sport science, the SAID principle relates to the process of training and conditioning. It states that when the body is subjected to stresses and overloads of varying intensities, it will gradually adapt over time to overcome whatever demands are placed on it and, in doing so, minimize the potential for injury. This is a very important training concept because it is what allows us to become stronger while reducing the chances that we will get hurt. Lately, I have come to understand that this not only applies to our physical bodies, but it relates to our spirits as well.
Over the past month, I have been pretty beaten up. Actually, I could even use the word attacked. I have felt like every aspect of my life has been challenged. I have been struggling emotionally, spiritually, relationally, and at time, physically.
The root of a lot of this heart ache came from a situation that was threatening my ability to graduate in May. A few weeks ago I was in a meeting where my academic integrity was called into question. To make a long story short, I had been reported for doing something that violated my school’s code of honor. While I had technically done what I was being accused of, I felt that my intentions had been completely misconstrued and that this was someone’s way of trying to personally hurt me. For those of you who don’t know me well, school is IMPORTANT to me. I have always excelled at academics and have plans to apply to highly competitive graduate programs someday. I have worked very hard over the past four years to maintain a high GPA and a respectful reputation within my department. And all of that was being threatened. This could affect my grades. This could delay graduation. This could ruin future recommendations. Basically, I freaked out.
Then, after several conversations with my friends, parents and professors, I realized that I had a lot of people ready to fight in my corner. After several inspiring sermons by my pastor, who has also been feeling attacked lately, I learned that children of God should expect hard trials and tests. And after feeding off of the word of my Father, I learned that he will never abandon me or leave me to handle these situations by myself.
At that moment, I decided to look at this as a blessing and a learning experience. I mean, I’m about to go share the Gospel full time for a year…how could I not expect Satan to be angry?! Of course he was going to try to attack me and dampen my spirit. I also realized that God allowed this to challenge me so that I would reevaluate my priorities. For months I have struggled with the idea that I might be letting school become more important than my relationship with Jesus. Several times I have been asked to think about what might be a false god in my life, and I have immediately thought of my grades every single time. I feel that this was God’s way of showing me that He is more important. Grades can be destroyed, but He is everlasting. Lastly, I can now see this as an opportunity to grow. I have to struggle sometimes in order to become stronger. I have to lean on God in my weakness so that I will be confident in His strength. These stresses and overloads are working to make me spiritually stronger and more capable of handling even bigger problems that I may face in the future while reducing the chances I will be hurt by Satan’s efforts. Sound familiar??
"I have found that when God calls anyone to a task, there is usually a larger plan of which any one person is only a small but significant part. The way is already prepared. There are problems and challenges to be faced, but these are often there to help us grow stronger. I have come to understand that all of these obstacles are but a part of the divine process. Just as weightlifters get stronger by increasing the weight and strain on their muscles through practice and repetition, so spiritual strengthening comes as we learn to follow the plan of God and spiritually discern the hand of God guiding our lives." – Andrew Young
**I want to note that I waited to post this blog until after this whole situation had been resolved. I am going to graduate in May and I will remain within good standing with the college. Everything worked out as well as it could and I praise God for helping me through this difficulty.
