One night a couple of weeks ago, I was awakened by a horrible calf cramp. If you’ve ever had one of these, you know the not-so-fun pain of these little muscle tightenings. I got them often while playing sports in college; however it has been quite a while since I’ve had one at all. This painful reminder of my lack of attention to eating and exercise habits got my attention, along with a report from the doctor that my cholesterol levels have seen better days.

The day after the cramp (you know the soreness lasts for a couple of days), I went for a walk in my neighborhood, realizing that I had to start somewhere. About a half mile from my house, a familiar song came on my playlist:

Whatever It Takes.

I began to feel the “adrenaline in my veins,” as the song says. What really hit me is that in order to make a 180 degree turn from the effects of my less-than-healthy habits, I will have to do whatever it takes. So that’s the plan. This phrase (and the song) have been stuck in my head ever since that day!

Have you ever noticed how quickly we can let things slide downhill in our lives? Not just fitness and eating habits… but our spiritual lives, relationships with family and friends, boundaries, commitment levels, priorities, and other habits?

We are all uniquely created by God for a specific purpose in the body of Christ. Each one of us has been given an identity and a mission for our lives, and God wants us to do “whatever it takes” to accomplish the specific work that He has put in front of us.

Whatever it takes means having discipline and commitment to goals in life. It might mean saying “no” to something good in order to say “yes” to God’s greater good in your life. It also means giving your very best at everything that has been put in your path.

Whatever it takes means committing to “open handed” living… knowing that HE is in control. Surrendered living. Like my sweet boy in the picture above. He lives with open hands, completely ready for what God has next!

My challenge to all of us is to take some time out of our busyness and refocus on the mission and purpose God has placed us here for… and to do whatever it takes to fulfill that purpose.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. ~ Colossians 3:23-24

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