Missed the other Devotionals in the 'Encouragement on the Journey series? Click here to expand and view the links.


Still in the Race: A Devotional on Lasting Strength (1 of 4)

Reap in Due Season: A Devotional on Finishing Well (3 of 4)

Rooted and Resilient: A Devotional on Flourishing with Strength (4 of 4)

Focus Scripture

“But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.”
– 1 Corinthians 9:27 (NKJV)

Reflection

Discipline isn’t punishment. It’s following a daily path of wise instruction.

When we hear the word "discipline," many of us think of rigidity or restriction. But in God's kingdom, discipline is an act of alignment.

It’s choosing to walk in step with God’s wisdom, even when the world and our flesh try to pull us off course.

We face constant temptations:

  • Brain-hijacking foods
  • Emotional triggers
  • Fatigue
  • Comparison with others
  • Discouragement

And yet, the apostle Paul reminds us that we are not powerless.

“But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection…”

Discipline is not about harshness. It is about training.

Just as an athlete prepares to run with endurance, we train our bodies to serve the Spirit, not sabotage it.

When we eat with intention, move with purpose, and rest with reverence, we are declaring:

“Lord, this body belongs to You. Use it for Your glory.”

Without discipline, even the most passionate messages we preach to others can ring hollow because the battle is being lost privately.

But when we submit our bodies to God’s wisdom daily, step by step, meal by meal, breath by breath, we become living testimonies of His power to transform.

Prayer

Father, thank You for giving me the ability to choose discipline through Your strength.Help me walk the path of wise instruction each day.
When temptation whispers, remind me of who I am.
When stress weighs me down, lift me up with Your truth.
Let my body, my habits, and my choices reflect Your goodness and grace.
I submit myself, spirit, soul, and body, to You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Action Step

Ask yourself:

What one discipline today would best serve the woman I’m becoming in Christ?

Write it down, and walk it out in faith.

About the Author

Kimberly Taylor

Kimberly Taylor is an author and life coach with a heart to help others struggling with emotional eating and weight loss. Once 240 pounds and a size 22, she can testify of God’s goodness and healing power to overcome. She lost 85 pounds as a result of implementing techniques to overcome emotional eating and binge eating disorder.

Kim is the developer of "The Take Back Your Temple Program," which teaches God's people how to overcome emotional eating and reach a healthy weight. She is also the author of the books "The Weight Loss Scriptures," "The Anxiety Relief Scriptures," "The Weight Loss Prayers," and many more.

Kim has been featured in Prevention Magazine, Charisma Magazine and on CBN’s 'The 700 Club' television program.