When Better Health Wasn't Your Idea

Just because it's hard doesn't mean it's not holy.

Why Are We So Surprised by Hard?

A few months ago, a trusted friend and co-worker dropped a line in a meeting that hit me like a brick:

“Man, it feels like every turn we make, there’s another obstacle. I’m starting to wonder—are we going the wrong way, or is this spiritual warfare trying to get us to quit?”

It was the kind of question that lingers, especially for someone like me—someone who tends to grit her teeth, push ahead, and muscle through. But this time, I left that meeting willing to sit in the question and keep seeking God.

Sometimes He answers right away. Sometimes you wait. And sometimes, while you’re waiting, it all still feels impossibly hard. But I’ve learned: when I hit bedrock, the only Rock I can stand on is Him. And He’s never once failed me.

Let’s be real though—waiting on the Lord is not for the faint of heart. Amen?

In these moments, I remind myself: God called me to this God-Loves-Bodies gig. I didn’t come knocking on heaven’s door asking for it—He came for me. He sought me out. He initiated relationship with me. The weight (and the wait) of the call is on His shoulders. He saw my heart, my hunger for healing, and said, “Let’s go.” But even that passion? That fire I’ve followed since I was 14 years old, when I first felt alive in my body through movement? He put it there.

For the person who gives their yes to God, all roads of pain and triumph lead back to Him! And when the road feels steep and the warfare thick, I hold fast to this truth: God finishes what He starts.

As I type this, I’m on a plane—suspended in the sky by physics and engineering, yes, but ultimately by the God who created both. And every time we hit turbulence (yes, I’m the girl who grabs a stranger’s arm leaving hand prints), I’m reminded how fragile we are and how secure He is.

That’s why I preach identity first.
Before goals.
Before habits.
Before change.

Identity anchors us.

Psychology and Scripture agree—lasting change flows not from what we want to do, but from knowing who we are. And when you know who you are—called, chosen, and dearly loved—you can weather the hard. You can stand when the winds blow. You can say, “God, You told me to do this,” and keep walking forward.

Because it’s all grace.
It’s all His.
Stay His.

I stayed His—even in the wrestle. And wouldn’t you know it? He came through. He always does. The confirmations poured in—messages, DMs, testimonies. Not big flashy miracles, but the quiet kind that whisper, “This is the way. Walk in it.”

So, back to that original question:
“Are we going the wrong way or is this just warfare?”

If you’re staying faithful to what God called you to—if you’ve seen fruit, even small stuff—then friend, it’s warfare. This means you’re not boring the enemy anymore. You’re a woman (or man) on the move!

You went to bed a little earlier.
You didn’t numb out with food.
You walked past the pantry instead of into it.
You moved your body, even when you felt numb.
You reached for Jesus instead of a quick fix.

That’s the Kingdom breaking through.

And if you’ve followed God right into a storm and hit a wall, don’t you dare quit now. You’re awake. You’re alert. You’re dangerous to the darkness. And the enemy knows it.

So take heart, warrior.
The hard doesn’t mean you’re off-track.
It means your His.

You’re one step closer to who you truly are and where He’s called you to be.

Here’s a 16 minute walk and talk with me. Put your face in the sun and go for a walk with me. Let’s process together and cut to the heart of the matter…it’s all His!

Share any thoughts below!

His love,

Alisa

PS. I’m still counting the days until I see you at Health Summit, Denver, June 5-6th! Let’s be in the same room, talk about real body things in the presence of a healing King!

God loves your body! Do you?