IPPT Training

I.P.P.T...put these 4 letters together in that order and it will send shivers down the spine of most NSmen. The single most distressing event for me every year is the annual IPPT or Individual Physical Proficiency Test. I can never pass on the first attempt, and ever since my OCS days, I've never been able to attain a silver standard. The reason is very simple...my body was never conditioned for it. Well, that's all gonna change this year!

I just started my exercise regime 2 days ago and although I'm "suffering the effects" now, I actually feel better, more alert and I sleep better! But it didn't come easy...every bone in my body screams for me to take a break and relax after work, but I knew that I had to start training for the IPPT in March. I'm concentrating more on the running portion because that has always been my weakest link.

It's interesting how when I was doing my quiet time just now, the Lord reminded me just how similar things are with my spiritual life. Here's how:

1) Regular training keeps me in tip top condition. Likewise, feeding myself regularly with His word allows me to apply it when the going gets tough.

2) It's painful but it will bear results eventually if done right. Likewise, the correct understanding of the word gives me the tools to handle tough situations.

3) I used to be able to do 15 chin-ups at one go, but now I can only manage 6 due to the lack of training. Likewise, I used to write 3 songs a month, but ever since I stopped attempting to write, I have no more inspiration.

4) There are no short cuts to keeping fit, no pain, no gain. Likewise, there is no replacement for the word of God. I can't forever do quiet time by reading only interesting Christian literature or simply listening to Christian music - I won't grow.

I've come to realise that I take my spiritual IPPT every week in the form of Worship leading. It is impossible to be an effective worship leader if I'm only gonna seek HIM and ask for songs once a week a night before I serve. I lead better when I've sought Him the whole week and heard from Him. Every time I don't "exercise", I perform badly for the "IPPT". Training takes commitment and so does learning His word.

True, it's never easy to work out when my schedule is so tight, plus I tend to give up when my legs are tired. But thank God for a personal trainer...hunny. She encourages me, pushes me and sometimes forces me to perform certain exercises to build the different muscle groups. It is the same with my walk with God, he sends me a helper...the Holy Spirit.

I'm aiming to do well for my annual IPPT this year, I hope I do well for the weekly one as well.