When my friend Lisa Dixon Jones invited me to join her Planksgiving Challenge to strengthen my physical core, I thought, Why not? I’m always up for a good challenge – even at my age!

However, let me tell you, gravity, and I are old acquaintances, and it has taken its toll on most of my body. Trying to keep my core raised for a full three-minute plank has been, well, humbling. Picture this: me on the floor, shaking, sweating, and silently wondering why I ever said YES. But here’s the thing – I didn’t back down. I’m determined, if nothing else!

As I struggled to hold my plank, my thoughts began to shift. What about my spiritual core? Am I just as determined to keep it strong and healthy?

Like our physical bodies, our spiritual lives need intentional exercises to stay strong. That’s when I realized this Planksgiving Challenge isn’t just about the body – it’s also an invitation to build spiritual strength.

Here are my Core Rules for Spiritual Strength to keep us growing in faith and walking closer to God.

Core Rule #1: Study the Truth Found in God’s Word

Just like those daily planks help strengthen our physical core, regular time in God’s Word strengthens our spiritual foundation. When we immerse ourselves in Scripture, we align our hearts with God’s promises and guard ourselves against this world’s shifting trends and influencers.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”  (Romans 12:2, NIV)

When we get into God’s Word, His Word gets into us, transforming our minds and helping us discern His will. It’s not about checking a box but letting His truth reshape our hearts.

Core Rule #2: Pray with an Honest Heart

You don’t need fancy formulas, perfect words, or diction to connect with God – just an honest heart. Prayer is where we acknowledge all that God has done and continues to do. It’s also the place where we can bring our weaknesses and know that God meets us there.

Even when we’re unsure what to pray, we have the beautiful assurance found in Romans: “And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.” (Romans 8:26-27, NLT)

I’m learning to deepen my prayer life by following Jesus’ example: “Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.” (Mark 1:35, NLT)

Carving out time to pray each day, even in the quiet moments before the world wakes up, strengthens our core connection with Him.

Core Rule #3: Exercise God’s Will in Daily Life

Strengthening our spiritual core also means putting our faith into action. God’s will for us isn’t to rush through life, spinning our wheels, but to walk more like Jesus—caring for others, remaining undistracted and discouraged by this world, and staying rooted in God’s light.

Jesus provides the perfect example:

“Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.” (I John 2:6, NIV)

When we choose to slow down, reflect, and walk in His light, we allow His love and truth to shine through our lives. Small, daily acts of faith and obedience are like reps in a spiritual workout – they build endurance, character, and joy.

Let’s Stick Together in This Challenge

Building a strong core—physically or spiritually—requires consistency and perseverance. These three core rules can, I believe, help us all experience life-changing results. Let’s encourage one another to study the truth in God’s Word, pray with honest hearts, and walk in His will daily.

This Thanksgiving, remember that it’s not just about turkey, pie, and gratitude (although I’m all for those things!). It’s also a season to reflect on the strength we find only in God – the One who holds us up even when our planks (and life) feel shaky.

So, take heart, whether you’re holding a three-minute plank or holding onto God’s promises. Our physical strength may waver (trust me, I know), but His strength is unfailing. Let’s give thanks for that – and maybe pass the sweet potatoes while we’re at it!