One of the main ways muscles grow is through tension. When muscle fibers undergo tension (like the tension experienced during resistance training) the muscle fiber becomes torn and damaged, and satellite cells come to aid in the repair of the damaged muscle fiber. Those cells connect to the damaged fiber and essentially repair the damaged muscles while at the same time adding bulk and strength to the muscle. So, the process goes like this:
1.) muscle fiber undergoes tension
2.) tension tears and damages muscle fiber
3.) satellite cells come to aid damaged fiber
4.) the addition of the new satellite cells increase muscle size and strength.
Isn’t it interesting that tension is the catalyst that builds strength in the human body? The only difference between my muscles and those of Mr. Universe is that mine haven’t gone through as much tension. Spiritual strength is achieved in much the same way as physical strength. People who undergo times of crisis and tension in their lives are on their way to gaining spiritual strength if they don’t give up during those times of conflict. So, as much as we might enjoy the easy, carefree times of our lives just remember, it’s during times of tension that our strength is increased. Just as our physical muscle is built quickly through “resistance training” our spiritual muscle is also built up during “resistance training.” When the enemy attacks us we are encouraged to overcome him with these words, “RESIST the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). RESISTANCE training… that’s what we need to grow spiritual muscle!
Ephesians 6:10
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
