The importance of spiritual training cannot be over-emphasized because God can only use those He has trained. The Bible says, "... exercise thyself rather unto godliness" (1 Timothy 4:7). Do you see the word "exercise" here? This is a very strong word and it is the key in this verse. Exercise means to train—train yourself for the God-life. Even though you are like Jesus already and you are born again, you have the life of God just like when your mom gave birth to you. Your mom gave birth to you with legs, but when you were born, were the legs walking? No. You had to train to live like a human being. In the same way, even though you are a child of God, there is need for training.

I'll give you a simple example. I am still learning and practicing, but twenty years ago, I was not like this. There were problems I couldn't solve for myself, let alone help others. But today, I know how to use the Name of Jesus to solve problems because I was trained. There is a way I reason now that I could not reason years ago—by reasoning more like a child of God and like God, following biblical principles. For physical training has some value, but godliness—that is spiritual training—has value for all things. Paul reminds us, "For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come" (1 Timothy 4:8 NIV).

Look at what this verse is showing us. Apart from telling us that spiritual training has value, it holds promise for both the present life and the life to come. That gives us a new understanding: there is a life after this life. Take this to heart: God has placed His life in you, but it is your responsibility to exercise it. You are the architect of your life. You can create your circumstances, command favour, overcome sickness, and shape your world through faith and training. As the Scripture confirms, "Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear" (Hebrews 11:3).

Start today—train your spirit, pray in the Spirit, speak God's Word, and step into your God-designed life. Do not wait for others or for circumstances to change. Take action and position yourself for all God has promised, knowing that your diligence in training will bear fruit both now and for eternity. Since the life of God in you is like a muscle that only grows through consistent use, you must move beyond just having the life to actively exercising it.