You Don’t Drift into Relationship
Exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. —1 Timothy 4:7–8 (NKJV)
Montgomery Center, Vermont, has no high school, no gym, and no major grocery stores—just dirt roads, covered bridges, and rolling green hills. Sneeze, and you might miss it. Yet, this tiny town is where Olympian Elle Purrier St. Pierre’s story began.
Raised on a farm, Elle was pulling on her boots and heading to the barn—even during Vermont’s cold winters—to milk cows before most people woke up. This discipline served her well when she started running with a small “Girls on the Run” club in middle school. Back then, she never imagined she would one day stand on a world stage. But she did. Elle competed in both the 2020 and 2024 Olympics, breaking records along the way and inspiring thousands.
Like Elle, I never dreamed of the Olympics as a child. And unless they include a Tripping-Over-Your-Own-Feet category, I have no hope of ever making it. Yet I understand the value of physical discipline. Spiritual discipline is even more vital. The benefits of spiritual discipline aren’t just for the present; they also have eternal significance. Spiritual growth and a deepening relationship with God can influence hearts and minds, leading them to the hope and abundant life found in Christ.
Elle’s journey from farm girl to Olympian didn’t happen by chance. She didn’t just stumble onto that Olympic stage. Every day, she chose exercise, sacrifice, a resilient mindset, and fueling her body with the right foods.
Physical training isn’t always enjoyable. For most people, staying cozy under a quilt on a cold, dark morning feels better than tying up sneakers and going for a run. Ice cream generally tastes better than broccoli and hanging out with friends is more fun than going to the gym.
The same is true spiritually. Most of us don’t naturally choose Scripture over Netflix, prayer over social media scrolling, or church over Sunday sleeping in, but we can learn from Elle the benefits of both community and commitment. Her journey wasn’t done in isolation. Elle credits a loving community of like-minded athletes, coaches, and supporters that helped her keep going when quitting felt easier.
From her early days in a middle school running club, she bonded with other runners and remained connected to the community while making choices to improve in her running journey.
From this, an Olympian was forged.
None of us know if or when we might have an Olympic-sized moment for the Lord, an opportunity to defeat darkness with His light and offer hope to those around us. We can, however, set ourselves up for the win. Many coaches have said it’s not the will to win that matters, but the will to prepare to win that matters. Everyone wants to win, but not everyone wants to prepare.
In 2012, I learned the true value of spiritual preparation in the most horrific way. My daughters and I survived the Aurora Theater mass shooting. Amidst the fear, chaos, and grief, I faced a choice: turn away from God or lean into Him more than ever. Because I had been growing spiritually through consistent prayer, Bible reading, and community, my faith—though shaken—remained strong. I knew God was trustworthy even when I didn’t fully understand. Later, God used my story to guide others toward Him, just as Elle’s discipline drew attention to her small hometown.
None of us passively arrive at spiritual growth, but we can make daily fitness choices that guide us there. Choosing to be in community with like-minded believers is a great way to find and give support.
Is there a spiritual muscle in your life that is weak? Maybe like me, it’s your prayer muscle. Or perhaps you are lethargic from taking in spiritual junk food. Maybe you don’t know how to start. What community or small group can become your fitness partner to encourage you as you press on for the win?
If this encouraged you, check out more articles from our Flatirons Spiritual Formation Team for practical tools, encouragement, and ways to grow in your faith and leadership. Click here.