Spiritual Stretching

Recently, my daughter came to me in pain.  It was before bed and the suggestion for relief included lying beside me while I rub the pain away.  Immediately I question the severity of such a pain.  Was this a ploy to lay with mommy?  A compromise arose with her lying in her bed; I rub her leg for 5 minutes and provide an ice pack.  The moment passed. . .

The same scenario repeated itself sporadically for months.  Then, increased in frequency and eventually the pain struck my daughter throughout the daytime as well.  She struggled in gym class, begging not to go with tears running down her cheeks.  Walking for long distance increased the pains and cramps.  We pushed it aside for a while as “growing pains”.  Come to find out, “growing pains” do not have to interfere with activities.  We sought help from a local chiropractic practice and began the path to healing. 

My daughter apparently suffers from the same structural concern I found in myself years ago.  Her hips do not align properly, causing one leg to extend past the other.  The muscles in the shorter leg remain tight, restricting growth.  With each step, she pulls those muscles beyond what they can handle and over the course of the day; they wear out and cause pain.  The pain acts as a stop sign, warning that they cannot go on anymore.

Since going to the chiropractor, we stretch daily and increase activity slowly.  Gradual stretching and exercise increase allow these muscles to grow in length at a pace they can handle.  If we jerked on them, forcing growth, tears and permanent damage would occur.  DAILY commitment, GENTLE care and FAITH in the unseen progress will lead to a day when my daughter can walk around the zoo without ending in pain. 

Muscular tissue consumes 35-40% of our body weight.  Muscles provide strength to function, movement and vitality.  Can you name one of the most important muscles needed to sustain life?  In my opinion, our spiritual muscle ranks right next to the heart!  Think of having a tight spiritual muscle. . .the tightness would lead to misalignment, effecting every aspect in life.  Growth restriction, stagnant living and pain will occur.  This leaves us to suffer and miss out on the plan laid for our life.  Often times, we will push it aside as a phase; it will all be better when. . .I will relax and enjoy life after. . .or I have no control over my pain.  Oh, my friend, you are correct in saying you don’t have control, that relaxation and enjoyment is still to come and there is better than the here and now.  BUT, when looking to this world for control, blaming others for the trials surrounding us and striving to find contentment here IN this world; our spiritual muscle tightens and shrinks all the more. 

Our Physician knows just how to handle such a problem.  Take the first step into the unknown.  Seek out the door waiting wide open revealing fleshly discomfort.  Others may not stand next to you when entering such a door, but reaching out and moving in the right direction stretches your spirit.  With each stretch, faith grows.  God hears your prayers for relief, comfort, joy and a way out; but, if He simply removed you from the situation and pulled you where you wish to be, permanent damage to the spiritual muscle occurs.  We must gradually step, stretching a bit farther with each decision advancing down the path God intended.  The spiritual muscle will grow at a pace which it can handle.  The strength and endurance gained will allow for you to become a personal trainer, teaching others by example just how to grow their spiritual muscle. 

Once stretched, it takes DAILY commitment to His Word and living His example.  It takes GENTLE care to protect our hearts from this world and the evil which prowls waiting to steal our spirit.  And most of all it takes FAITH in the unseen to progress down the path laid for our lives. 

You may be sore for a while, but press forward, keep your eyes on the prize.  Before you know it, you will be boldly walking upon this Earth with full confidence in God.  Anything coming in your path will be handled with Truth, Protection and Trust in the One True God!

Start today, my friend, it is never too late to stretch the spiritual muscle.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig        

Coincidence. . .I Think NOT!

Coincidence. . . a situation in which events happen at the same time in a way that is not planned or expected; the occurrence of events that happen at the same time by accident but seem to have some connection.

Believe in coincidence?  I don’t!  This life, moment in time, season faced and decisions for this day hold enormous meaning.  Think about it. . .

I could sit here and provide example after example to disprove coincidence.  The events appearing in our lives may feel way out of character or impossible, so we claim it coincidence.  Guess what my friends; these moments in time are bigger than us. . . 

Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”  Luke 18:27

God can take any situation and work it out for the good of those who love Him.  I hold various roles in life.  Many days, my ‘to do’ list informs that no hour will be left for rest.  Come to find out, all of it gets done, peace overwhelms the day and I even have time to play a game or two with the kids.  You see, putting God as your guide each day reveals what our fleshly minds deem as impossible.  Man chalks the days up to coincidence, God says, “Nope, had that day planned all along for you.” 

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  Jeremiah 29:11-12

How great it is to know our Coach strategically planned the game of life for each of His children.  No day exist without purpose.  Every moment in time packs meaning and when looked at closely, offers strength and growth.  We may not prosper by the world’s definition, but trusting in His plans will bring greater riches in life.  He will provide joy, peace and safety in storms.  Man chalks it up as fate, God says, “Nope, I analyzed and protected the path laid for your life before guiding each step.” 

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.  Ephesians 3:20-21

Too often the world receives glory for things only God could provide.  He exceeds our prayers, leaves us standing in awe and not a day goes by that He does not hear our hearts desires.  Man cannot come close to providing what God provides.  The works of man remain temporary, unpredictable, disappointing and leaves us just short of happy.  The works of God provide stability, endurance each day, satisfy any need and leave us overflowing with blessing.  Man chalks any joy up to being in the right place at the right time, God says, “Nope, I decided that one a long time ago and take joy in seeing my child smile.”

Now, I know times get tough and these Scriptures may seem so far away from thought.  But, my dear friends; He remains at your side waiting to hold your hand and guide you through any storm in life.  He cannot stop the evil in this world.  The Bible warns of trials and tribulations faced while in the flesh.  BUT, He promises to bring us through, increasing our strength!  Healing is possible with Him.  Plans in the future hold huge meaning for His Kingdom and prosperity cannot happen without Him.  He holds power to go beyond what our fleshly minds can concoct.  His plan prevails. . .nothing is coincidence.  To Him be the glory for this day and the adventure which lay ahead.  His Hands are all over this day.  Should a storm hit, He will bring or carry us through.  Should blessing overflow, He desires to accompany and enjoy each one with you.  Take Him with you today and stand in confidence that He planned this day, connected each event and is not surprised by the outcome. 

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.  Sheree Craig

Vital Organ

What organ maintains life?  Its size compares to a fist.  Weakness of such an organ presents with difficulty in breathing, less endurance, pain, dizziness, nausea, profuse sweating, swelling and struggle to continue in daily activities.  In order to keep in shape, the doctor may suggest some lifestyle changes: low sodium diet, decrease cholesterol intake, increase activity, throw away the cigarettes, take medications as prescribed and maintain hydration daily.  All these habits may be difficult to begin if already set in your ways.  But, change must come to protect this vital organ and sustain life. 

Know the organ yet?  THE HEART!  Without a functioning heart, no blood can travel through the body to keep other organs oxygenated and working as they should.  Any weakness of the heart affects the rest of the body systems.  You must protect it!  Substances ingested or inhaled play a major role in health of your heart.  Be aware of such knowledge and stay in tune with your body’s needs.  A healthy heart provides a healthy life. . .

My son, pay attention to what I say;
    turn your ear to my words.

 Do not let them out of your sight,
    keep them within your heart;
for they are life to those who find them
    and health to one’s whole body.
Above all else, guard your heart,
    for everything you do flows from it.  (Proverbs 4:20-23)

Just so, we must protect our hearts from spiritual disease or infection.  Weakness presents with difficulty in coping, less joy, pain, destruction, unclear thoughts, swelling of pride and profuse stress.  Continuing in daily activities seems nearly impossible at times.  In order to keep in shape our Physician must be visited daily.  He provides Truth, guidance, love, support, joy and peace.  His plan on our lives requires a few lifestyle adjustments: replace negative thoughts with Truth, alter habits to coincide with Truth, remove destructive situations/environments, increase the study of His Word, throw away pride, begin weekly regimen of attendance to Bible believing church and maintain a life filled with discipleship.  All these may feel awkward or difficult to begin due to the habits/lifestyle we currently lead.  But, I am witness that changes made to protect your heart provide indescribable joy, peace and love.  All the elements your heart requires to sustain life!

Will you take at least one of the steps toward a healthy heart today?  Pick up His Word, begin reading it and listening to the teaching He desires for you during this season of life.  Don’t let His Truth escape your thoughts, place them in your heart and begin revival of your heart.  Any weakness of spirit affects everyone around you and places risk for the enemy to bring you down.  Stand firm on His Word today, guard your heart from this world and the enemy.  Stay in tune with the plan and purpose God holds for you!  Make an appointment with your Physician today. . .He always has an open slot in His schedule.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig