There was a time when I didn’t think much about my physical body beyond the basics. I would eat, sleep when I could, handle what needed to be handled, and keep moving. But as I’ve grown — not just spiritually, but personally — I’ve realized something very important: this body I live in is borrowed. God gave it to me to steward, not abuse. And if I want to serve Him well, encourage others, and fulfill my purpose, I have to take care of it.
I can honestly say I take very good care of my body now. I make sure I eat right. I get my rest. I go to my doctor’s appointments. I’ve even started working out. And when I tell you I feel so much better — I mean that. I can feel the difference. It’s not about perfection. It’s about stewardship.
I had to make some small changes per my doctor’s recommendation, and I am so grateful to her. She is understanding, she truly cares, and she wants the best for me and even my parents. I prayed about it and asked God to help me take care of this borrowed body He gave me to use. That shift in mindset changed everything.
Your Body Is a Gift — Treat It Like One
One of the Scriptures that truly changed my perspective is:
1 Corinthians 6:19–20 (KJV)
“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost… ye are not your own… For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.”
That hit me differently when I really sat with it. My body is not just “mine.” It is a temple. It is a vessel. It is something God entrusted to me. When you look at your body as something borrowed from God, you start treating it differently. You stop speaking harshly about it. You stop overworking it without rest. You stop feeding it things that harm it daily. You begin asking, “God, how can I glorify You through how I care for myself?”
That doesn’t mean you never enjoy food. Yes, I eat food. Yes, sometimes I have junk food. Who doesn’t? But I don’t live there anymore. I don’t make unhealthy choices in my lifestyle. I wanted to make changes for myself — not to impress anyone, not to fit a standard, but because I deserve to feel good in the body God gave me.
Small Changes Make a Big Difference
I didn’t wake up one day and change everything. It was small adjustments. Listening to my doctor. Cutting back on certain things. Being mindful of portions. Drinking more water and moving my body more consistently. And let me tell you — when I started working out, even in simple ways, I felt stronger. Not just physically, but mentally. There’s something about choosing discipline that builds confidence.
Philippians 4:13 (KJV)
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
That includes making lifestyle changes. That includes choosing better habits. That includes saying no to what doesn’t serve your health anymore. If you’re struggling with your weight, food habits, exercise, alcohol, or anything else — take it to God. Don’t just Google it. Pray about it. Ask Him to guide you. Ask Him to give you discipline. Ask Him to show you where to start.
And please hear me — talk to your doctor too. God gives wisdom to medical professionals for a reason. My doctor has helped me in ways I’m thankful for, and I see it as God working through her.
Rest Is Not Laziness — It’s Obedience
Some of us stay tired because we don’t rest properly. We stay busy. We stay moving. We say yes to everything. And then we wonder why we feel drained. Sleep is not optional. It is necessary.
Psalm 127:2 (KJV)
“For so he giveth his beloved sleep.”
God designed our bodies to rest. When I started prioritizing real rest — not scrolling, not multitasking, but actual sleep — I felt clearer. My mood improved. My body responded differently. We cannot pour from an empty cup. We cannot serve from exhaustion. We cannot encourage others if we are constantly running on fumes. Taking care of your body includes permitting it to rest.
Food Is Fuel — Not Punishment
I had to change how I saw food. Food is not the enemy. It is fuel. It’s meant to nourish, not control. The Bible even gives guidance on moderation and self-control.
Proverbs 25:16 (KJV)
“Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.”
That Scripture reminds us that even good things need balance. I stopped beating myself up over food. Instead, I started making better decisions more often. I added more vegetables. I paid attention to how certain foods made me feel. I stopped eating out of boredom and started eating intentionally. Do it for you. Not for comments. Not for compliments. Not because someone else said you should. Do it because your health matters.
Move Your Body — Even If It’s Simple
When I say I started working out, I don’t mean I became a fitness expert overnight. I started small. Walking. Stretching. Light workouts. Being consistent. Movement wakes your body up. It improves your mood. It increases your energy.
1 Timothy 4:8 (KJV)
“For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things.”
That verse doesn’t dismiss exercise — it acknowledges it has value. Physical discipline matters. It supports your overall well-being. You don’t have to compare your journey to anyone else’s. Just move. Start where you are. Be consistent. Progress over perfection.
Stop Beating Up Your Borrowed Body
Some of us speak to our bodies in ways we would never speak to someone we love. We criticize. We compare. We punish. But this body carried you through hard seasons. This body survived stress. This body held tears. This body kept going when you thought you couldn’t. It deserves kindness.
Ephesians 5:29 (KJV)
“No man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it.”
Nourish it. Cherish it. Respect it. We have to stop damaging the very vessel God gave us to fulfill our purpose.
Motivation: Do It for You and for God
At the end of the day, taking care of your physical body is not vanity. It is stewardship. It is gratitude. It is worship. When I made changes, I did it for me. I wanted to feel better. I wanted to be healthy long-term. I wanted to honor God with how I live. And I truly feel better.
If you are in a place where you know changes need to happen, don’t condemn yourself. Start today. Pray about it. Seek guidance. Take small steps. Stay consistent. God cares about your spiritual health — and your physical health too.
Reflection Questions
🤍 Am I treating my body like a borrowed gift from God or like something disposable?
🤍 What small change can I make this week to improve my physical health?
🤍 Am I getting proper rest, nourishment, and movement?
🤍 Have I prayed and asked God to guide me in caring for my body?
More Encouragement & Prayer Support
If this message encouraged you, you can find more faith-filled content in my Encouragement Corner, where I share messages to strengthen your walk with God.
If you’re looking for prayer and devotional support, visit the Prayers & Devotionals page for Scripture-based prayers and reflections designed to help you stay encouraged, grounded, and spiritually strong.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the body You have given me. Help me honor it, care for it, and treat it with love and wisdom. Teach me balance, discipline, and grace as I make healthy choices each day. Strengthen me where I feel weak and guide me to take care of this borrowed body in a way that glorifies You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
— Ty
Encouraged by Faith 🤍
When I started making small changes in my life, I didn’t expect them to mean much. But something as simple as working out became bigger than just physical movement. It became personal. It became spiritual. Every time I showed up for myself, on days I didn’t feel like it, I was building more than just muscle- I was building discipline, confidence, and trust within me. Working out became my quiet time with God, my time to think, release stress, and reset my mind.