“Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23, ESV)

Dear Friend,

Before we jump into this week’s blog, I first want to share another powerful testimony from someone in our Faithful & Fit 60 Challenge. They said:

“I am really enjoying the exercises. I used to think that I had to do extreme workouts for 45 minutes or it wouldn't make a difference. Because of this thinking, I would quit after a week or two because I dreaded the workouts and figured there was no point in doing just 10 minutes—so I wouldn’t start at all. Bad thinking! But with these exercises, I love how fun and doable they are. With just 20 minutes four times a week, I can already tell a difference. I actually look forward to doing them. And with all the water I’m drinking, I can feel my muscles stretch better and they’re not so stiff. The number one thing is—this is the first time I’ve invited Jesus into my diet and exercise routine. I’ve tried so many diets and routines in the past, but they never lasted longer than three weeks. This time, I feel positive that with Jesus, I can get it done. Thank you so much, Erin.”

That just blesses me so much. I know how it feels to feel defeated—in your health, your nutrition, your wellness, and even your faith journey. But to experience the empowering grace and strength of God in your health and your life—it is truly transformative. It’s like a light clicks on inside of you and you realize, “Oh my gosh, God does care. He does want me to prosper and be in good health. And not only that, but He wants to give me His grace and strength to help me accomplish it.”

God is so good, y’all. And He loves you so much.

If you’ve been battling condemnation, shame, or guilt—that voice that tells you you’re not enough or that you’ve failed—I want to expose that lie right now. That is the voice of the enemy, and it is not the truth. The truth is: God is pleased with you. God loves you, no matter where you are or what you're facing. And He wants to help you walk in victory in every area of your life—especially in your health.

This Week’s Live Q&A

Q: How do you stay encouraged to eat healthy and find healthy foods in a highly processed world?

It can definitely be overwhelming when you’re bombarded with all the choices and information we have today. My biggest encouragement is: start where you are.

When I first began eating healthier, I didn’t change everything overnight. I did what I could, with what I could afford. I focused on whole foods—meats, beans, legumes, nuts, fruits, vegetables—and I instantly saw and felt a difference. I had more energy, saved money, and was in a better place mentally and emotionally. The changes were instant and monumental, which motivated me to continue.

Start with one small thing. Don’t try to change it all at once unless that's what you truly want to do. If you focus on eating whole foods and minimizing processed foods and sugars, you will see and feel a big difference.

Q: Why is having muscle on your body important?

I love this question! Strength training truly changed my life. The benefits are endless—better bone density, balance, blood sugar regulation, increased metabolism, fat burning, joint support, posture, strength, stamina—you name it.

Simple example: how many of you ladies bend over to pick up laundry, a sock, or wash your feet in the shower? These daily movements are easier and safer when your body is strong and supported.

When I built muscle, everything improved—my confidence, my energy, my mood, even my workouts. I could run, walk, and just live better. Most of all, I want to steward my body well so I can finish my race strong. Strength training helps us do just that—with God’s grace empowering us to live out our purpose on this earth.

Q: How do you keep all of this in perspective while still seeking first the Kingdom of God?

This is so important. You guys ask amazing questions! Matthew 6:33 says, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

Let me say that we are a spirit, we have a soul, and we live in a body. Each part affects the whole. When I got spiritually healthier and started seeking the Kingdom first, I had the wisdom I needed to steward my soul and body. As I grew in spiritual knowledge and made Jesus Lord in every area, things began to fall into place.

We all have so many “life boxes”—church, marriage, kids, finances, health, fitness, nutrition. But ask yourself: In which of these boxes is Jesus Lord? Where are you inviting Him into every decision you make?

When I seek the Kingdom first in my family, my health, my finances—God adds everything else. His grace fills me, and He leads my choices in every one of those boxes with wisdom.

This is the only way I came back from being a broken, addicted young woman to someone walking in purpose, freedom, and healing. My past didn’t disqualify me. In fact, God used it. And He’ll use yours too.

When we know who God is, we learn who we are. And when we know who we are, our thoughts begin to change. And when our thoughts change, our actions automatically follow.

It’s the fruit of being with Jesus and being in His Word, and the result is effortless transformation.

This week’s Q&A was just Part 2—we still have several questions we didn’t get to, so stay tuned for Part 3 next Tuesday night at 5:30 p.m. MT on YouTube.

I’d love to hear from you! If you have a testimony to share or a question that you'd like answered, please fill out our short, three question survey here!

Want more on this topic?

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Don't ever forget—you are not alone—God is with you. There is an entire body of Christ who's on your side, cheering for you, and believing that God's perfect plans for your life are coming to pass!

Love you,
Erin

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